Animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have joined the calls demanding New Zealand Olympian Sir Mark Todd be stripped of his titles, following video of him abusing a horse.
In a video posted on social media outlet TikTok, double Olympic gold medallist Sir Mark Todd can be seen striking a horse up to 10 times, as it hesitates to cross a water obstacle during a training session.
Sir Mark has since apologised for his actions, but calls for him to be stripped of his knighthood have been raised by animal welfare advocates.
PETA have also, again, called for an end to equestrian events at the Olympic Games.
In 2021, the organisation made the same request, after Germany's Annika Schleu was also filmed whipping and striking a horse for refusing to jump during the modern pentathlon event.
"We are calling on the International Olympic Committee to remove all equestrian events from the Games," PETA UK tweeted.
PETA UK also added its voice to those demanding the removal of Sir Mark Todd's titles.
"Sir Mark Todd must face the fullest extent of the law, have his CBE revoked, and be expelled from New Zealand's Sports Hall of Fame.
"There is no excuse for animal abuse."
Equestrian Sports New Zealand has distanced itself from Sir Mark Todd, while Kiwi animal welfare group SAFE have questioned the idea that the incident was by no means a one-off.
Sir Mark was knighted in 2013 and is unlikely to lose his title. Government guidelines state honours are only usually revoked for serious crimes resulting in at least three months' imprisonment.
