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Rescue in Action: Duane and Sergeant Julies Team Up to Save Overworked Cart Horse, Shakeer

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Rescue

Rescue in Action: Duane and Sergeant Julies Team Up to Save Overworked Cart Horse, Shakeer

On Saturday, 9 November, our call-out and patrol officer, Duane, got a call from Sergeant Julies. Having attended our APA information day, Sergeant Julies was equipped to recognize the signs of abuse. Upon Duane’s arrival, it was evident that Shakeer was under condition, the cart was overloaded, the front axle was broken in half, his harness was unacceptable and the load was poorly distributed.

Once we took off the harness, we found old harness wounds as well! Duane called Jolize who had the authority to confiscate Shakeer and took him to our Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre. Shakeer is a permanent confiscation and will never work in a cart again!

Just another reason why I love working at CHPA!

Rescue

Source: Cart Horse

Blood Sweat and Neglect

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Neglect

Blood Sweat and Neglect

Sick. Wounded. Forced to Work.

Three horses. Three cases of cruelty in only three weeks – And cruelty for hire— is exposed as a grim reality for Cape Town’s working horses. These are their stories.

March 5th: Broken, Bleeding, and Still Forced to Work

Inspector Jeffrey Mfini spotted a pony in distress on Spine Road, Mitchells Plain. The pony’s fetlocks were bleeding from deep puncture wounds. Crude, ill-fitting tack dug into him and he was still doing his best, still trying even though every step brought him suffering.

Neglect

“We were his only chance,” says Inspector Mfini, “There was no way I was going to let him work in this state”.

With the help of the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit, the SPCA seized the pony. He is now safe, healing at the SPCA’s Horse Care Unit.

March 5th: A Risk with Every Step

Later that same day, Inspector Julian Van Der Zandt came across another pony struggling to pull a cart. She was shod on only one hoof—every step putting her at risk of injury.

Those driving her tried to flee. They failed.

Neglect

“This wasn’t a lack of education or understanding. They knew they were in the wrong,” says Van Der Zandt. “Why else would they attempt to flee?”.

Fortunately, we could count on Law Enforcement’s support and the SPCA took the pony into care. Another pony given a chance to rest, a reprieve from a life sentence of suffering while we fight for a permanent one.

March 17th: Crushed Under an Impossible Load

A dark bay mare, named Willamina, was dragging a scrap car on a cart (the 4th case we have encounted like this recently). The load alone weighed 880kg. The three men riding the cart added even more weight. She was physically buckling. Her body was failing, but they kept pushing. And she also kept trying, because what else could she do?

Neglect

Inspector Van Der Zandt intervened immediately, detaching her from the crushing weight. A seizure notice was issued. Willamina was transported to the SPCA’s Horse Care Unit. Her owner, Moestakiem Jacobs, and his two accomplices—one the owner, the others renters—were arrested under the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962.

“She was failing under a weight she should never have carried. They didn’t care. We did.” – Inspector Julian Van Der Zandt

Rent for a Day. Used, Abused, Repeat.

These horses weren’t just neglected—they were exploited. Many working horses aren’t even owned by those driving them. They are rented for the day, in conditions of neglect, and then forced to pull loads beyond their strength. This is their life… Neglect, abuse and exploitation on repeat.

Change is Coming.

We have made recommendations to amend the City’s by-laws to better protect working horses. The draft is under review. It will not undo the suffering these horses have endured, but it can help prevent it from happening again.

Until then, we will keep seizing, rescuing, and arresting—until there are no more horses for hire.

A Thank You to Those Who Stand With Us

We extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit for their commitment to the animals of Cape Town and their support of the work of the SPCA. Our load is made easier by their service. We’re equally  thankful for every donor who supports the work of our Horse Care Unit.   Thank you for your donations that help us stop this exploitation and protect its victims.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

CHPA always going the extra mile!

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CHPA

CHPA always going the extra mile!

When Sheriff, the owner of Whitey who is unregistered, first came to CHPA, he was eager to do the right thing. We stepped in, offering training, support, proper harnessing, and cart repairs to get him on the right track.

But last Wednesday, Sheriff returned after another welfare organisation said he must bring Whitey to us, this time with a heartbreaking situation. Whitey was skeletal, frail, and clearly starving!!

Thanks to your support, we were able to act immediately. Whitey was confiscated on the spot and taken to our Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre, where he is now safe, warm, and eating… and eating… and eating.

Your donations give us the power to act fast when horses like Whitey are in urgent need. Thank you for making his rescue possible.

CHPA

Zelda was found pulling an empty cart, not because she had finished her load, but because there was nothing to load. Her owner, a long-time and well-respected member of the carting community, had fallen on hard times. He was too proud to ask for help.

Zelda’s condition told us everything, we had no choice but to confiscate her. Her owner understood. He had always cared for his horses well, and we knew this was not neglect, but a crisis.

CHPA

Thanks to your generosity, not only is Zelda now receiving the care she desperately needs, but we are also helping her owner feed his remaining three horses until he can get back on his feet.

Sometimes, helping horses means helping the people behind them too. Your support allows us to be there when it matters most, for animals and their humans.

CHPA

Please click here to donate to help CHPA continue to be their voice.

Source: CHPA