SHANGHAI (SCMP): A seven-year-old horse in China that joined the rescue of a drowning man has died of illness days after its heroics, touching the hearts of many people on mainland social media.
Nicknamed Bailong, which means “White Dragon”, it was being trained by its owner near a river in Xiantao in the central province of Hubei on Feb 4 when a man fell into the water, Jimu News reported.
The man was rescued after its owner, Yilibai, rode the horse and whipped it to go into the water.
Yilibai said Bailong had never been in water before but did not hesitate when jumping into the river.
“When it received my order, it implemented it firmly and was very cooperative,” Yilibai was quoted as saying. “Bailong played a leading role in the rescue effort.”
Later, the horse developed a fever and was weak for several days.
On the evening of Feb 10, Bailong suddenly stopped eating and did not defecate. It caught a fever again which lasted several hours, according to its owner.
The local authorities sent vets to treat the animal which was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction, a common problem for horses but with a high death rate.
Bailong was given pills to reduce inflammation and boost its strength.
However, on the evening of Feb 11, the horse died.
Yilibai, who has raised Bailong for more than a year, was heartbroken.
“Bailong and I have experienced many things together. Please do not talk about it in front of me. Any mention of it will make me cry,” he said.
“Yilibai treats the horse like his kid. He still cannot accept the loss of Bailong,” Yilibai’s friend told the media.
The man who fell into the water and was saved by Bailong and Yilibai said he felt guilty about the death of the horse, according to Yilibai’s friend.
“We assured him that Bailong died of a disease. The death is not related to the rescue,” the unidentified friend said.
The local livestock management authority has dealt with Bailong’s body “in an appropriate manner” after getting its owner’s approval.
The government said it will erect a statue of the horse near the river to honour its bravery.
A chamber of commerce for Xinjiang-native businessmen who live in Xiantao said it will select another white horse and send it to Yilibai as a gift.
The grieving owner is from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in northwestern China. He works at an equestrian club in Xiantao.
The local authorities are also applying for a Good Samaritan award for Yilibai and two other men who joined the rescue effort.
The death of the horse prompted an outpouring of emotion in China.
“Bailong is so courageous! Its spirit will keep on inspiring us forever,” one online observer said.
While another commented: “I am moved to tears. Bailong will always be remembered.” - South China Morning Post
