The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has created an exclusive group for those who would like to support the organisation’s efforts to protect abused horses, ponies and donkeys from cruelty and to bring perpetrators to justice.
Also read: SPCA staff arrest Grassy Park resident for using cruel horse training method
The initiative follows mere months after SPCA inspectors gained a court order to confiscate four Hackney horses that were kept in poor living conditions and subjected to cruel training methods in Grassy Park.
Three Hackney cross saddle horses were kept at the back of residential property in unsuitable stables. The SPCA reported that a strong smell of ammonia was present and that the animals were kept in dark so-called stables with little to no ventilation.
The fourth horse, named Thor, was found forcibly bound in a position similar to the Rollkur technique. The technique involves ‘the forced, aggressive, over-flexion of the horse’s neck, forcing the horse into an artificial outline demand for competing Hackney horses and holding it in that position for long periods,’ as per the SPCA. The horse was slowly suffocating and unable to lift its head.
The owner of the horses was arrested after he assaulted chief inspector Jaco Pieterse. Inspectors laid criminal charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 for animal cruelty, obstruction and further charges for assault.
Those looking to join the ‘Best Friends – Friendship that saves lives’ group can choose between a once-off donation of R600 per year or R50 per month. Members will receive a branded ‘Best Friends’ eye mask.
For more information on the group, visit this link.
Also read:
R60,000 worth of equipment stolen from a horse rescue NPO in Noordhoek
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA