Ambulance Incident Leads to Horse’s Death, 2,000 Euro Compensation Paid

The South Karelia Wellbeing Services County has compensated a private individual 2,000 euros for the injury and subsequent euthanasia of their horse, which was startled by an ambulance.

The incident occurred last October when two horses escaped from a pasture onto a road with a line of traffic, including an ambulance at the front. The horses were startled by the ambulance’s sudden and loud acceleration, leading to one horse injuring its front leg severely enough to require euthanasia that same evening.

The wellbeing services county acknowledged that the horse’s injury resulted from the ambulance’s driving but clarified that it was not due to any intentional action, negligence, or error by the staff. The ambulance crew, en route to an urgent task, attempted to avoid the horses by stopping their emergency drive, despite having no prior experience with horses.

The police concluded their investigation without pressing charges, as there was no evidence of a crime. The horse’s owner initially sought 4,000 euros in compensation but did not appeal the final decision, which became legally binding on March 12.

Source: Yle