Belarusian Equestrian Federation expels Mahilyou center director Belavusau from its presidium after horses sent to slaughter

The Belarusian Equestrian Federation has announced a decision to expel Yauhen Belavusau, director of the Mahilyou equestrian center, from its presidium. The decision was made after the presidium's meeting on November 5.

The expulsion must be approved by the federation's conference. For now, Belavusau remains in his post as director of the center.

The trigger was the sending to slaughter of two horses belonging to the regional Olympic reserve center for equestrian sport and modern pentathlon, on which children used to train. The horses were handed over to a meat-processing plant in September, although, according to non-state Belarusian media, people were ready to buy them.

The conflict began in September over two retired sport horses of the center, Vavilon and Elehiya. The young women who tried to save them published a video appeal from the grounds of the meat-processing plant on September 11. According to them, the plant held the horses for two days while they appealed for help to the regional executive committee and the prosecutor's office. They later reported that the animals could not be saved.

Belavusau explained the removal of the horses by their serious condition. According to him, the aged horses suffered from respiratory diseases, which the institution's veterinarian confirmed.

The federation said that the question of violations by Belavusau had been considered under its regulatory documents, and that as a member of the federation he had been held strictly accountable under the Code of Conduct on Horse Welfare and the federation's Charter.

In its statement, the federation said that all participants in equestrian sport must recognize that the welfare of the horse is always paramount, and that actions that endanger it must be stopped in the strictest manner. It also confirmed its position that after the end of its sporting career a horse has the right to humane treatment and retirement.

The November statement does not list Belavusau's specific actions.

In the comments, users thanked the federation for its response, but some considered the measure insufficient. They pointed out that expulsion from the presidium does not in itself mean removal from the leadership of the center, and asked about Belavusau's further accountability.

The investigation continues.