The death of the mare Altesse de la Serre, killed by a hunter, sows discord on social networks

The news of the death of Altesse de la Serre, a competition mare killed by a hunter's shot in Isenay (Nièvre), still stirs emotions in Burgundy. On social networks, Internet users share their anger, their pain and, sometimes, try to temper the climate of distrust towards hunters.

In just a few hours, the information spread like wildfire. And, once in the viewfinder of Internet users, it had the effect of a bomb. Everywhere, the unfortunate death of the mare Altesse de la Serre, killed by a bullet in the shoulder during a hunting trip, sows emotion, dismay and above all incomprehension.

As a reminder, the horse's death occurred on November 6. Diane de Charmasse, a breeder living in Isenay (Nièvre) in charge of Altesse, was informed by a group of hunters who came to knock on her door to inform her of the accident. Terrible news that the breeder hastens to see on her land, in disbelief. But upon discovering the remains of the mare, lying inert in the middle of her meadow, Diane can only realize the obvious. Especially since, for her, there is no doubt: the hunters were on her property at the time of the shooting, contrary to what the group initially claimed.

► ALSO READ: Mare killed by a hunter on private property: what does the hunter risk in the event of an accidental shooting?

The disappearance of this mare, just 14 years old, raised many questions among people who heard the sad news. How were hunters able to shoot the animal? Only the current investigation, entrusted to the French Biodiversity Office (OFB) will be able to put an end to the question which has weighed on consciences for a week.

But for now, the research has not yielded anything new, leaving Internet users free to reflect. Determined to share their feelings on the web, particularly regarding the presence of a wild boar at the time of the shot, which would have justified pulling the trigger. “Did he mistake it for a rabbit?“, Jean-Jacques is surprised on the social networkTheir boar is big“, “funny color for such an animal“… Everyone has their own theory: score settling, accidental shooting, fog. All theses go with it and generally come to the same conclusion as Daniel, another Internet user who writes: “He had trouble identifying a horse, it’s serious!!! His license must be revoked immediately!!“

Because the death of Altesse de la Serre has relaunched the eternal debate on the ban on the practice of hunting.

Animal lovers and people outraged by the death of the mare do not hesitate to use heavy words on social networks, describing the hunter's gesture as “assassin“, of “revolting“even”of inhuman“. “Another SCANDAL, the death of an innocent animal, to satisfy unhealthy pleasure“, analyzes Joséphine on Facebook, joined by other shocked people: “A quiet animal in its field which has once again been killed by the worst predator: the hunter!“, “I hope his guns and hunting license are taken away for life“Only justice can ultimately decide.

► ALSO READ: Altesse de la Serre, competition mare estimated at €30,000, killed by a hunter on private property

Altesse de la Serre was a competitive horse used to national show jumping competitions. A prestigious beast, owned by the Jean-Marie Bazire stables, and valued at nearly 30,000 euros thanks to its eight years of training. A considerable sum which has earned the story much attention. But beyond the figure, it is the unfortunate and still unexplained death of a living being which provoked the emotion and ire of readers.

“Whether it is a 100 euro pony or a 30,000 mare, he must be condemned for his actions. He shot an animal on private property “, comments Thalie on Facebook. “My horse took lead in the hock 3 years ago… So whatever the value, think about the feelings we have for our animals!“, also insults Elise.

Many also send their support to the breeder, moved by the person of this companion whom she has taken care of for several years. Diane de Charmasse and the owner of the meadow have also filed a complaint. Jean-Marie Bazire had also announced his desire to initiate proceedings.

Despite everything, some comments attempt to soften the barbs (and sometimes insults…) sent to people who practice hunting. An increasingly contested “leisure”, particularly for the multiple accidents committed in recent years on animals or human beings (joggers, hikers, cyclists, etc.). “Let's not put them all in the same bag by calling them alcoholics“, defends Aurore in an attempt to temper the comments left under our Tik Tok video published on November 11. “Not all hunters are the same.“

Others, like a certain “Visky” on Tik Tok, try to explain the shooting without overwhelming the hunter: “From a certain angle we have already seen bullets ricochet off the skulls of wild boars without killing it and thus changing direction, rare but possible…“. Franck also emphasizes that a “lost bullet can reach 3 kilometers!” To which other users respond that the shot must be done diagonally, to prevent bullets from inadvertently causing victims.

Some, less moderate, openly defend hunting, not appreciating the questioning of its legitimacy in France by other Internet users. “Stop saying stop to hunters, I'm very happy not to have 30 wild boars ravaging my land, they are there to regulate. Unfortunately accidents happen.”

A debate which will remain open until the end of the investigation.