Roads near Mount Etna have been shut down in order to establish private racetracks for high-speed horse racing events. This development has led to a surge in the number of YouTube videos showcasing horse-drawn carriages, or gigs, reaching incredible speeds on urban streets. The criminal exploitation of horses is not a new phenomenon, though it has often been kept hidden from public view.
Law enforcement officials, while initially conducting searches for weapons and drugs, have occasionally stumbled upon horses being used in illicit activities. These instances often involve doping, animal abuse, and money being raised through illegal betting on street races. In addition to these concerns, there have also been reports of horse meat being sold on the black market after being improperly butchered.
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In 2011 in Italy, according to data released by the Anti Vivisection League (Lav), only seven street racing were blocked.
But if you check on Youtube, you immediately realize how those numbers are underestimated.
Catania, in Sicily, is the capital of this phenomenon. However illegal street racings are popular also in other area of Southern Italy.
Provinciale 92 of Etna is one of the most popular illegal racetrack.
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