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The Cape of Good Hope SPCA obtained a court order to rescue three ponies and a horse from alleged starvation in Pelican Park on Thursday 19 May.
According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Jaco Pieterse, the welfare organisation obtained a court order from the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
“Our team warned the owners on several occasions to provide the horse and ponies with adequate food on a daily basis and to seek the services of a veterinarian to examine them.
“Since our initial inspection at the end of March, the horse and ponies’ condition deteriorated, and they were not being provided with sufficient food or veterinary treatment. Our team tried to educate the owners on the humane care and treatment of equine, however, this fell on deaf ears,” says Pieterse.
He adds that the “starved” horse and ponies were kept in makeshift stables and not provided with adequate or sufficient food, resulting in them starving.
“Due to the non-compliance of the owners, our team had no other option but to obtain a court order and seize the horse and ponies. This was not an easy task as the owners were obstructive and tried to prevent our team from removing the horses.”
With the assistance of the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement, the animals were safely rescued and taken to the Horse Care Unit at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Grassy Park.
“The horse and ponies were examined by a veterinarian and were prescribed a special diet to assist with weight gain.
“The owners will now be facing charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act.
“It is an offence for any animal owner to unnecessarily starve, under-feed or deny food to any animal,” says Pieterse.
