Act now to transform the fate of Croatia's abused horses: A call for urgent change and support.

In the midst of Europe's serene beauty, a harrowing truth lurks: in Croatia, beneath the guise of "tradition," horses endure unimaginable suffering.

Imagine these majestic creatures trembling in the shadows of dark barns as they suffer relentless brutality. Chained and terrorized, they are mercilessly beaten, their spirits broken under the cruel guise of "training" for barbaric log-pulling competitions known as straparijada.

If we can raise $18,500 (£14,500), we can fully support an ongoing public campaign to end this sport, led by Croatian animal welfare activists, who play a critical role in our efforts to ban this cruel practice once and for all. Our partners at Animal Friends Croatia have a strong track record in successfully campaigning to end cruel animal abuse and neglect legally - and are committed to forcing through a complete ban on these horse competitions within a year - but they need our help to do this.

The funds will enable them to influence government policy, undertake targeted lobbying, amend animal welfare laws, and create a massive media campaign exposing the shocking abuse behind the sport to locals and tourists upon whom the Croatian economy relies.

Without this urgent funding — previously provided by the Croatian government but now unavailable due to grant restrictions — they cannot fight for the animals who rely on us.

We stand at a crossroads for animal welfare in Croatia, and every contribution helps us keep the momentum going.

The plight of these horses is unimaginable, their physical and psychological scars deep and lasting. We urge you to open your hearts and donate generously to Network for Animals. Together, we can bring relief and hope to these horses in dire need. Your support is their lifeline.

This outdated tradition, rooted in the bygone days of the logging industry, once saw horses strain under the weight of heavy logs — which is why this competition exists. But those days are behind us. Today, we stand enlightened, armed with the knowledge and technology, such as tractors, that render such harsh practices obsolete.

There is no longer any justification for this kind of abuse. It's time to embrace a more compassionate approach and leave outdated methods in the past where they belong.

P.S. Your support will shed light on these dark corners of cruelty and give a voice to those who cannot speak. The dire situation of these horses in Croatia - a grim reality overshadowed by tradition — demands immediate action. Every donation launches us forward in the crucial fight against barbaric practices like straparijada, and barbaric log-pulling competitions. Together, we have the power to end this brutality and usher in a future where respect and kindness towards all creatures prevail. Please, let your compassion lead the way and donate today. Your generosity can change lives.