Drivers Spot an Unusual Sight on the Vilnius, Panevėžys Highway: Horses on the Run

Drivers on the Vilnius, Panevėžys highway were confronted with an unexpected morning sight: a group of horses galloping toward Ukmergė, followed by a line of slowing cars.

The horses came from the Vilnius Stud Farm, whose director, Almutis Raila, said someone or something had broken the electric fence keeping them in. The damage appeared to point toward the fence, and Raila said wildlife or people walking dogs might have caused it.

Video recorded by another driver showed the horses trotting along the middle lane of the highway. A car with flashing lights accompanied them, while police responded to multiple calls about animals running on the road. Some callers mistakenly reported that sheep had escaped.

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Officers responded immediately, went to the scene, identified the possible horse owners and, together with them, stopped the horses and directed them into the area beside the road so everyone would be safe.

Police identified the likely owners and brought farm representatives to the scene. Officers and the farm workers stopped the horses, directed them into an area beside the road and then guided the herd back. Police counted 14 animals. They soon returned safely to their pasture, and nobody reported injuries or damage to vehicles.

A farm representative warned drivers not to frighten, chase or approach escaped horses, because domesticated animals may not all be equally socialized. The horses were young, around two years old, and nervous. Police said neglect of animals could lead to a fine of up to 120 euros. The farm said the horses rarely escape, and that the last similar incident there occurred in 2012. The morning timing also helped, as darkness could have made the situation more dangerous.

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Under no circumstances should people frighten, chase away or try to move the horses themselves, because they may not be socialized, and people could cause more harm to themselves or those around them.