The board of the Swiss Equestrian Federation (SVPS) has today announced that it has applied for a provisional suspension of former Swiss team-rider Paul Estermann, after he was found guilty of animal cruelty by the Lucerne Cantonal Court.  

In November 2019, the district court in Willisau found Estermann guilty of violating the Animal Welfare Act. Estermann appealed the decision to the Lucerne Cantonal Court, and then on to the Federal Supreme Court. In the spring of 2022, the Federal Supreme Court partially granted Estermann’s appeal and the case was returned to the Lucerne Cantonal Court. In December 2022, the Lucerne Cantonal Court issued a new decision on the matter – finding Estermann guilty of animal cruelty.  

Following the final judgment, which according to the Swiss Equestrian Federation became legally enforceable on January 13, the federation has applied to its Sanction Commission (SAKO) – asking for a provisional suspension of Estermann. The federation has stated that a decision from SAKO regarding the provisional suspension is expected within the next few weeks, and that a sanction is likely to be imposed during spring 2023 after a hearing in the case.