'Lucky Charm' horse in viral photo did not collapse due to exhaustion, owner says

The horse whose photo went viral on social media did not collapse due to exhaustion, its owner said.

In fact, the horse, named "Lucky Charm," is unharmed and has gone back to work bringing tourists aboard a carriage (kalesa) around the history walls of Intramuros, Manila.

Lucky Charm's owner Roderick Javier denied allegations that the horse collapsed due to heat exhaustion while transporting passengers in the carriage.

"'Yung baras nabali po kaya po 'yung ano ng, 'yung linya ng karitela nawala 'yung balance ng kabayo kaya po nabuwal," he said.

The coachman said he takes good care of his horse especially during summer when the temperature rises.

"Naliligo pa 'yan. Kailangan masarap kinakain ng kabayo kaysa sa 'kin minsan. Nilililim. Kailangan may damo ka lagi," Javier said.

He asked the public not to pass judgment.

"Akala nila minamaltrato namin 'yung kabayo e 'yung kabayo nagbibigay sa 'min ng kita. Siya po nagbibigay sa 'min ng pantustos sa mga pangangailangan po araw-araw tapos mahal na rin mga pagkain niya. Mahalaga itong si Lucky Charm. Hindi puwedeng pabayaan ito," Javier added.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said based on the viral photos, Lucky Charm seems to be in good health.

"Based sa photo sa horse 'di naman siya mukhang malnourished. 'Di labas 'yung ribs niya," PAWS education officer Sharon Yap said.

Yap added that hydration is important even for animals as they too feel the extreme heat during summer.

"Make sure na hindi nauubusan ng water and then kung iwo-walk natin sila, let's make sure na hapon na or early in the morning para 'yung pads nila hindi naiinitan. It's painful for them and 'wag na po natin sila damitan," she added.

Veterinarian Mitzi Padrinao said animals may experience heatstroke that could lead to death if not treated immediately.

"'Yung mga nakikita nating signs and symptoms—severe panting, sobrang hingal nila, drooling, ang heartbeat mabilis, irritable, brick red or dark red gums and tongue—'yun mga signs. Itakbo sa pinakamalapit na vet," she said.

Hydration and ventilation should also be observed to avoid pets getting sick, Padrinao said.

"Kung outdoor dogs 'yung kulungan ay nasa isang hindi mainit na lugar, may bubong, may electric fan at meron laging available na water," she said.

"Yung mga active dogs naman na kailangan natin i-exercise, sana gawin natin in the morning or in the evening," Padrinao added. —KG, GMA News