Do you think war horses encountered animal abuse?

Question

During the olden times, horses became injured and even died during battle. Obviously, they didn't have a choice...

Of course, I'm guessing nobody realised this back then (and things seem to be a lot more civilised now), but what are your thoughts? Do you think this could've been a form of animal cruelty?

Answer 1

Forget the horses, Humans vs humans is a form of animal cruelty in my opinion, they also had no choice, it was either fight for your king or you were hung.

Answer 2

By todays standards, yes. But..... times were very different then. The horses were greatly prized and a vital part of life (and death) back then. There had to be connection between horse and rider that can only be gotten with good training and care. Those horses would do anything that was asked of them and boldly obeyed their owners. There has to alot said for that. Obviously they must have been cared for very well in times other than battle.

Answer 3

Both humans and horses were abused during war.

Answer 4

you cant take todays train of thought and paste it on older times..back then animals were thought of as beasts of burden or livestock and not as pets..however if it wasnt for patton we wouldnt have the lippizaner stallions or if it wasnt for the kings and queens of europe we wouldnt have the breeds we have today.. the bedouins of arabia are a warring tribe but they still bred some magnificent horses ..as for today ,,do you really think we are more civilised today than as in older times?or have we just found new ways to point the finger of blame to make ourselves feel better and more superior..

edit: did you also know in ancient times if a horse died in war sometimes the groom was killed and burried with the horse..