A tragic incident on Djurgården last summer, where a 70-year-old man died and several were injured after five horses skenande (bolted) uncontrolled through central Stockholm, led to the conviction of a 56-year-old horse owner from Piteå.

The man, having tied the horses outside a restaurant before sitting down to dine, was found negligent by Stockholm District Court, resulting in a sentence of one year and three months in prison for causing danger to others, involuntary manslaughter, and gross negligence leading to bodily harm.

The court emphasized the presence of many unprotected individuals, including children and the elderly, in the area at the time of the incident.

The Piteå man, who had previously denied all charges, must also compensate the victims and the deceased man's family.

This ruling highlights the crucial importance of responsible animal management in public spaces.