On 6 November, the SPCA Inspector Rowan Davids, encountered an alarming scene in Highlands Drive, Mitchells Plain as a carthorse was spotted lugging an extreme amount of baggage, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Inspector Davids’ immediately became aware of the horse who had been significantly underweight and was burdened with an excessive load. The pony, weighing only 240 kilograms, was found pulling a load of 980 kilograms.
Immediate intervention was undertaken as the cart drivers were instructed to come to a standstill.
Apart from being severely underweight, the hooves of the horse were reported to be in a shocking condition while the load being carried by the animal was described as inhumane and bordering on illegal.
Inspector Davids quickly called for backup, prompting a swift response from the SPCA Horse Care Unit and the Animal Control Unit of Law Enforcement.
Together, they seized the pony which was transferred into the care and control of the SPCA Horse Care Unit.
The incident contravened the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, which prohibits overloading animals. Conviction on these grounds could result in fines up to R40,000 or 12 months imprisonment, alongside a criminal record.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is in the process of laying criminal charges against the cart’s owner and its occupants. The owner reportedly operates a business renting out equines for labour, thereby exploiting these animals and subjecting them to cruel living conditions.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
