Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit officials removed a horse and her foal from Hillcrest Height in Forest Village, Cape Town, after it collapsed on a main road and subsequently gave birth on Sunday afternoon.
SPCA spokesperson Jaco Pieterse said they were outraged the owners of the horse allowed her to pull a cart when she was clearly heavily pregnant.
He added frantic and concerned members of the public, who noticed the horse “suddenly collapsing”, immediately called the SPCA to alert it.
“Our inspectors made their way to the scene within minutes of hearing the news. 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.
According to the SPCA, the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By Law clearly stated “it is unlawful” to allow any animal to work that was unsuitable for working purposes.
“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.
Pieterse said:
He added the SPCA was gathering sufficient evidence and information before opening a criminal case against the horse’s owner.
“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.
He added forcing an animal to work while heavily pregnant “is not just cruel, it’s inhumane”.
“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,” said Pieterse.
Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason confirmed his team members were on the scene to assist with removing the animals.
Pieterse said the SPCA “remained committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in our community”.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any animal abuse.”
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