Fernando de Noronha Faces Horse Abuse Crisis

Representatives from the NGO Pet Noronha have documented frequent cases of abandonment and suffering among the island's horses. The organization states that many animals are tied up for entire days without access to basic necessities.

Roberta Viegas, a photographer and member of the entity, described the harsh conditions facing these animals.

"These horses spend the day tied up in the sun, without water and without food. This is abuse."

The lack of available pasture exacerbates the problem, forcing animals to endure prolonged periods of confinement in exposed areas.

• Animals left without water for extended periods
• Food scarcity due to lack of pasture
• Exposure to intense sun without shelter
• Increased abandonment during summer months

Beyond animal welfare, the free-roaming horses pose a significant threat to traffic safety on BR-363, the island's primary roadway. Any Perla Pereira, the NGO's coordinator, warns that animals positioned along the roadside could break free at any moment.

"The horses are on the margins of BR-363 and can break free at any moment, which could cause a serious accident."

This concern is rooted in tragic history. Tammy Casagrande, who coordinates the NGO, recalled a fatal accident from the early 2000s that remains etched in the community's memory.

On August 24, 2002, motorcyclist Jairon Almeida struck a horse and subsequently crashed into a post, resulting in his death. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of uncontrolled animals on roadways.

The crisis reached a tragic point last Saturday, January 17, when a horse died in Vila dos Remédios. Any Perla Pereira received a report and found the animal in critical condition.

Upon arrival, she discovered the horse collapsed and severely debilitated. Veterinarians from the Island Administration were called to the scene, administering serum and medication in an attempt to save the animal.

"I received the report and found the horse collapsed, very debilitated. I activated the veterinarians from the Island Administration, who brought serum and medication and tried to rescue him, but the animal did not survive."

The suspected cause of death is exhaustion, highlighting the severe physical toll exacted by the neglectful conditions.

Despite repeated efforts, activists have struggled to secure a lasting response from officials. Pet Noronha has forwarded all reports of abuse to the Administration of Fernando de Noronha, but the coordinator notes that no definitive solution has been implemented to date.

The group has also reached out to the Civil Police and the Ministry of Public Prosecution of Pernambuco (MPPE) for intervention, but these attempts have yielded no response.

With the number of roaming animals increasing, the community is left questioning how to prevent future tragedies.

"Are we going to wait for another tragedy?"

The lack of official action leaves the island's residents and animals in a precarious position as the summer season continues.

The situation in Fernando de Noronha represents a complex intersection of animal welfare and public safety. The documented cases of abuse, combined with the recent death of a horse and historical traffic fatalities, underscore the urgency of the matter.

While the Pet Noronha team continues to monitor the situation and advocate for the animals, the responsibility now lies with local authorities to enforce regulations and protect both the island's wildlife and its human residents. The community awaits concrete measures to address the systemic neglect and prevent further loss of life.