SPCA Leads the Charge for Change to Protect Cape Town’s Working Equines

In the past six months, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has intervened in at least six distressing cases of horses and ponies being subjected to extreme cruelty in Cape Town. These heart-breaking incidents highlight a systemic issue of exploitation that demands urgent attention and collective proaction to prevent further suffering.

One of the most shocking cases we encountered occurred in September 2024 in Kensington, where a young pony named Hope was discovered struggling under the weight of an unthinkable load. Hope, weighing just 360 kilograms, was forced to pull a cart loaded with an engineless vehicle and four passengers. The combined weight of the cart and vehicle alone reached a staggering 990 kilograms—nearly three times her own body weight. Hope’s muscles trembled with exertion, and she arrived at the SPCA lame and in distress.

She was the first of 3 to be rescued from exactly the same circumstances.

In November 2024, a similar incident occurred on Highlands Drive in Mitchells Plain. Spirit, where a severely underweight stallion weighing only 240 kilograms, was found pulling a cart carrying a broken vehicle that tipped the scales at 980 kilograms. In addition to being overworked, overburdened, and underfed, Spirit’s hooves were also neglected.

Most recently, a third case has come to light, this time involving Lady Grace, a petite and undernourished pony forced to haul a cart along Old Strandfontein Rd in Ottery, yet again loaded with a broken vehicle and weighing more than three times her own weight. Like the others, Lady Grace’s hooves were in dire condition, and she is underweight.

Aside from the suffering caused by the heavy loads these ponies were pulling, the neglect they lived with daily was very apparent in their physical condition.

Legal Protections Ignored

All these cases violate Section 2(1)(a) of the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, which prohibits overloading animals. Convictions under this law carry fines of up to R40,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months.

Furthermore, the South African National Standards (SANS) for working equines—which establish weight limits to protect the health and welfare of these animals—were blatantly disregarded. Despite their importance, these standards require broader enforcement and awareness to safeguard working animals effectively.

SPCA’s Commitment and Call to Action

Recognising the need for proactive relief, the SPCA engaged with the City of Cape Town on January 15 to discuss meaningful solutions for the welfare of working equines. The meeting was highly positive, with both parties expressing a shared commitment to proactive measures that protect working equines.

As a result, the SPCA is optimistic about future collaboration to develop and implement practical solutions that balance animal welfare and the needs of owners who rely on working animals for their livelihoods.

Key proposals include:

Registration and accountability: Implementing a permitting system ensuring all working equines are registered to facilitate monitoring.
Routine inspections: Conducting regular welfare checks to maintain humane standards.
Education and support: Providing owners with training on proper care, nutrition, and weight limits.
Load regulation: Enforcing weight limits to prevent overloading and safeguard equine health.

A Partnership for Change

The SPCA recognises the challenges facing both the City and working animal owners. We are committed to finding a solution that benefits the welfare of animals and supports sustainable livelihoods.

A reactive approach to cruelty is simply not good enough, we need proactive solutions that prevent a reoccurrence of the suffering that Hope, Spirit and Lady Grace have been subjected to.

Grace Needs You Today

While we work toward systemic change, Grace needs your help right now. Her recovery requires a special diet of oat hay, lucerne, and supplements to rebuild her strength. She also needs expert care from an equine farrier and dentist—services the SPCA must outsource at considerable expense.

You Saved Hope and Spirit—Will You Rescue Lady Grace?

Thanks to your generosity, Hope and Spirit now live healthy, happy lives. Lady Grace’s story can only have the same ending with your support.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

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