A Swiss woman has sparked outrage after she was caught transporting a pony inside the back of a tiny Citroën C1 during a ferry crossing from Pozzuoli to the Italian island of Ischia.
The shocking incident, which took place on 5 July, was captured by stunned passengers, who filmed the animal squeezed into the small vehicle throughout the hour-long journey. The footage quickly spread online, prompting widespread criticism over the pony’s welfare.
According to reports, the driver claimed she had informed ferry crew members that the pony was inside the car. However, no staff reportedly intervened, allowing the vehicle to board and complete the crossing despite the cramped conditions.
The incident has since been reported to police by Italian animal rights activist Enrico Rizzi, who questioned how the vehicle was allowed onto the ferry without anyone taking action. He argued that staff should have immediately alerted authorities after discovering the animal inside the car.
Rizzi described the incident as inhumane and called for an investigation into possible animal cruelty. He said it was difficult to understand how such a situation could have been overlooked during boarding procedures.
Italian lawmaker Francesco Emilio Borrelli has also demanded that authorities identify the pony’s owner and consider removing the animal from their care to safeguard its welfare.
Ferry operator Medmar Navi condemned the incident, describing it as “extremely serious and shameful”. The company said the situation was completely inconsistent with its safety standards, operating procedures and commitment to animal welfare.
An internal investigation has been launched to determine whether any staff members failed to follow the required boarding checks. Preliminary findings reportedly uncovered several serious operational irregularities, including claims that the Citroën may have boarded the ferry without a valid ticket.
Medmar Navi said it would show zero tolerance towards anyone found to have breached company procedures, stressing that the incident reflected the actions of the driver rather than the company’s policies, which prioritise passenger safety and the welfare of animals.
