Police horse is “doing well” after alleged attack
Images of a NSW Police horse allegedly being hit by a protestor at Sydney’s anti-lockdown rally have emerged and since gone viral.
Taken at Saturday’s anti-lockdown protest, which was attended by 3,500 mostly maskless people, the image shows the horse being allegedly struck on the nose by a man wearing a ‘Free Speech’ shirt.
Online, many have been arguing whether the horse was pushed, poked, or shoved.
In a statement shared about the arrest and charging of two men involved in the incident on Monday, NSW Police said “police horses were struck and pushed”.
“As a result of inquiries, investigators from Strike Force Seasoned attended a unit on Marlborough Street, Surry Hills, about 11.20pm (Saturday 24 July 2021), and arrested a 33-year-old man,” NSW Police said in a statement.
33-year-old Kristian Pulkownik was arrested at his Surry Hills home and charged with affray, joining or continuing in an unlawful assembly, committing an act of cruelty upon an animal, and breaching a COVID-19 restriction.
Another man, aged 36, was also arrested and charged with assault of an officer in the execution of duty, committing an act of cruelty upon an animal, and not complying with noticed direction.
Both men appeared briefly at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday, with Mr Pulkownik representing himself, and were both refused bail.
Mr Pulkownik is due to appear in court again next month.
Following the incident, the police were flooded with supportive messages expressing concern about the horse’s condition.
In a social media post, the NSW Police Mounted Unit confirmed the horse, called Tobruk, was doing well, sharing an image of Tobruk as well.
“Our beautiful brave Tobruk safe and uninjured after his awful encounter today. Thank you again everyone for your words of support,” the post read.
In a later update, the unit revealed that Tobruk has been spoiled with gifts from the community.
“We cannot thank you all enough for the support shown to our horses and staff,” the unit said.
“Carrots, apples, licorice, chocolate and bunches of flowers. Tobruk being extra spoilt by the yummy gifts today!!
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Image: Mounted Unit - NSW Police Force / Facebook, Adam Liaw / Twitter