Controversies surrounding sports involving animals have once again come to the forefront as the equestrian community raises its voice against a long-standing festival in Japan. The recent death of a horse named Merzouga during the ‘Ageuma Shinji festival’ has ignited a fierce debate on animal cruelty and prompted calls for a permanent ban on the event.

With injuries sustained by multiple horses, people from Japan and around the world have joined forces to demand an end to this centuries-old tradition. This tragic incident has triggered the public and there is an ensuing outcry to put a ban on the festival. Though there is a historical context surrounding the festival, still there is an outrage against the festival for promoting animal cruelty as a horse faced a tragic fate due to this festival.

Tragedy Strikes: Merzouga’s Fatal Fall and the Outcry

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Merzouga, one of the horses participating in the Ageuma Shinji festival, suffered a fatal accident. Falling down a hill and fracturing his leg, and he was ultimately euthanized. Unfortunately, Merzouga was not the only victim, as five other horses sustained injuries during the festival.

This news was confirmed by Penulis Kacamata, a Twitter user who shared an update on his Twitter handle and wrote, “In Mie Pref., horses were killed in the festival of the Japanese “god” that local people living there worship. Death of a horse during centuries-old riding festival in Japan prompts outcry over animal abuse.”

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As this news spread, people from Japan and all over the world erupted to voice their opinions in support of putting a ban on the festival, and for the same reason, over 1000 complaints have been filed. A petition that was filed to ban the festival has collected more than 31,000 signatures.

Last month, Life Investigation Agency, an NGO, also filed a police complaint against 130 people who were involved in the festival this year. The NGO has collected all the pieces of evidence from a video that was shared online. This festival has a long history dating back a century or two, and there were some sane reasons to celebrate this festival until the horses began to be harmed.

Unveiling the Festival’s History and Purpose

The Ageuma Shinji festival traces its roots back to the Edo period, spanning from 1603 to 1868. Held annually in Kuwana city, Japan, during the month of May, it serves as a ceremonial celebration to honor a local God and pray for a bountiful harvest while seeking protection from evil spirits. However, the festival has gained notoriety for its controversial practices, particularly the treatment of horses.

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Reports suggest that horses are forced to climb steep slopes and coerced into jumping obstacles, often resulting in injuries and fractures. Instances of horse abuse, including beatings to force compliance, have raised serious concerns among animal welfare advocates.

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