City law enforcement and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA confiscated a carthorse and her foal after she collapsed on a main road and subsequently gave birth in Hillcrest Height, Forest Village, on Sunday afternoon.
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The heavily pregnant mare had been put to work pulling a cart by her owner, resulting in outrage from frantic residents.
According to SPCA spokesperson Jaco Pieterse, calls were received from concerned members of the public who noticed the horse suddenly collapsing.
‘Our inspectors made their way to the scene within minutes of hearing the news,’ he said. ‘Upon arrival in Hillcrest Heights, inspectors found the mare and her newborn foal on the side of the road.’
‘In an apparent attempt to obstruct justice, the suspects attempted to conceal the cart to prevent our inspectors from realising the horse had been used for working purposes,’ said Pieterse.
The Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping Bylaw clearly stated that ‘it is unlawful’ to allow any animal to work that is unsuitable for working purposes, according to the SPCA.
‘This includes putting heavily pregnant animals to work. We hate to think what the poor animal went through in her final moments before giving birth.’
‘The owner will be facing criminal charges. The actions of the owner in the mare’s time of need is reprehensible.’
Both the mare and her foal, along with the cart, have been seized and taken into the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Horse Care Unit.
‘We have since named the mare Stella and her little filly Rose. Rose signifies the beauty and unexpected miracle that bloomed next to the road, much like how a rose might unexpectedly blossom in an unexpected place,’ said Pieterse.
‘Both horse and her foal are doing well in our care, and we will continue to monitor them. We will also see to it that the owners are held accountable under the full extent of the law.’
‘We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any animal abuse.’
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA