In Le Russey, France, firefighters rescued a two-year-old horse found bound at the bottom of a five-meter pit under harsh weather conditions on October 4, 2025. Despite a two-hour rescue and veterinary care, the horse succumbed to its injuries and hypothermia and was euthanized the following day. The owner was briefly detained and questioned, with legal proceedings pending the outcome of a veterinary investigation.

The incident has provoked strong condemnation from animal rights groups, who have filed formal complaints and called for severe penalties, highlighting concerns about possible insurance fraud in equestrian circles. This case has also intensified calls in France for stricter animal cruelty laws and more rigorous enforcement to prevent such acts of brutality.