ENPA appeals to the authorities to stop the Palio of San Vincenzo.

900 metres of concrete and only 6 metres wide…too short and too narrow. According to the Animal protection society the Palio of Acate, which takes place during the San Vincenzo festivities, is dangerous for both people and animals alike. According to l’ENPA, “the course is too short and narrow and there is a high risk of incident. The authorities must block the event.”
Rome 31st March 2009 – The animal protection society has turned to the necessary authorities, the state and local police station as well as the surveillance commission, in order to shut down the Palio of Acate (Ragusa) that for the last six years has taken place during the San Vincenzo festival, the patron saint of the Sicilian city.
According to the ENPA the organisation of the Palio puts both horses and humans at serious risk. The race takes place along the avenue Corso Indipendenza, an asphalt road that is roughly 900 meters long and wide almost 6 meters, too short and too narrow to hold equestrian competitions. On top of this, if a horse were to fall, the impact could have serious consequences for the animal.
“In 2007, during the San Vincenzo Palio two horses were left seriously injured and the believe led to them being put down. Following these incidents. Last year a veterinary unit was put in place to preside over the event but we don’t know if this will happen this year.”
On top of this the ENPA voluntaries are not only worried for the animals’ safety but also for the security measures put in place to guarantee the safety of the watching public.
“The barriers that separate the public from the race course are on the edge of the street, right along the pavement. Considering that the competition will be watched by hundreds of people, we don’t even want to think what would happen if a horse were to lose its balance and crash into the barriers.”
A worry that has been expressed also by the national President of the Animal Protection society, Carla Rocchi.
“I share the thoughts of the voluntary workers and I appeal also to the authorities to cancel the event for the safety of all involved. I also appeal to the common sense of the local citizens of Ragusa and ask them to make their voices heard. Traditions are not always justified especially if they can provoke incidents and suffering.”