On the afternoon of 17 August 2023, Cape Town’s busy M5 inbound lanes bore witness to a frantic horse named Flash tearing down the highway during the evening rush hour, tethered to its training gear. A video capturing the panicked horse swiftly circulated across social media platforms, sparking a wave of shared empathy and concern for the horse’s welfare.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA responded to the scene after being notified of the situation, with the task of rescuing the panicked horse and ensuring the safety of the motorists on the road. Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse led the rescue operation, accompanied by a dedicated team of five other inspectors who raced against the clock to reach Flash.
Also read: SPCA rescues panicked horse on M5 in Cape Town
When the SPCA team arrived at the scene, a compassionate bystander had already succeeded in soothing the frightened gelding, who had suffered a severe leg injury, among others.
The team provided first aid to Flash before carefully transporting him to the SPCA’s specialised horse care unit.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Flash had been undergoing training in the Parkwood area when he suddenly broke free, bolting down the highway in a state of extreme distress. The chaotic scene prompted numerous kind-hearted individuals to halt their journeys and offer their assistance.
Following his rescue, Flash received the care and attention he needed to make a full recovery and is now ready to find his forever home.
Flash is in search of a warm and loving forever home where he can spend his days in happiness and peace. If you have the willingness and capacity to provide Flash with the loving home he deserves, please get in touch with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA at 021 700 4158/9 or via email at [email protected].
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In a statement released by the CoGH SPCA, Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse expressed the organisation’s gratitude, stating, ‘We extend our heartfelt thanks to the members of the public who stopped to help, City of Cape Town Traffic Services, who closed the road enabling us to work safely and all the motorists on the M5 for their patience and consideration for a horse in trouble.’
The statement concluded, ‘The tale of Flash’s unexpected run and subsequent rescue is not merely a story of an animal in distress but a testament to the benevolent spirit of humanity that arises in times of need.’
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