Police in the Odesa district have launched a criminal investigation into allegations of animal cruelty after a horse was found improperly kept on a private homestead in the village of Usatove. The case was opened following a local resident’s report, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances and identify those responsible for the horse’s suffering, which was previously documented in social media videos showing the animal lying in mud.

The investigation is being conducted under Part 1 of Article 299 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which addresses cruelty to animals. Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to animal protection laws and responsible treatment, as they continue to gather evidence and clarify the details surrounding the incident.