Tourists expressed shock and concern after witnessing a pony being transported in the boot of a small Citroën C1 during an hour-long ferry crossing. The incident occurred on July 5, on a ferry traveling from Pozzuoli, near Naples, to the island of Ischia.
One passenger captured video footage of the light brown pony appearing to shuffle within the confines of the red car, which was reportedly seen during a period of high temperatures reaching 31C (88F) in Pozzuoli. According to the passenger who filmed the event, the pony's head was pressed down by the car's roof and its rear was against the back window, filling most of the vehicle's interior.
The tourist who filmed the scene stated she alerted onboard staff, who indicated they were aware of the animal's presence. However, no intervention or immediate action was apparently taken by the ferry company, Medmar Navi Spa.
Animal rights activist Enrico Rizzi shared the footage online, questioning how the vehicle was allowed onto the ferry and why authorities were not contacted, especially if staff were aware. Rizzi filed a report with the police in Pozzuoli, seeking an investigation into the driver for alleged animal cruelty and into those who permitted the journey. He described the driver's actions as inhumane.
Following the public sharing of the footage, Member of Parliament Francesco Emilio Borrelli called for the owner of the pony to be identified and for the animal to be removed to ensure its welfare. Medmar group has been approached for comment regarding the incident.