Midrand SPCA provides care and ensures horses are inspected regularly
As the SPCA is in need of assistance, members of the community who are able to help with food for the horses or able to help cover costs, are encouraged to contact the SPCA.
Midrand SPCA received several calls from concerned community members on May 4 regarding eight horses that were walking at a busy intersection on Olifantsfontein Road.
SPCA inspectors Jerry Seemise and Godfrey Tefu, along with general manager Pam Pretorius rushed to the scene as the horses were causing traffic jams and eating garbage from trash cans.
The team managed to get the horses off the road and were joined by a team from The Society for Animals in Distress.
“Once we had a plan of action and established who the owner of the horses was, we escorted the horses back across the busy Olifantsfontein Road and made the very slow and long trip with the horses back to Tembisa where our society started dealing with the owner,” said the SPCA in a statement.
Two of the horses were taken into SPCA care for treatment and to be seen by an SPCA veterinarian. On the following day, Dr Edward Evans along with a farrier, Dion Boardman, joined the SPCA team to check the horses again and ensure the shoeing of the horses was redone.
Evans and Boardman noted that the horses need rest for the next three months. To prevent the horses from being worked during the next three months, the SPCA has opted to keep them stabled at their facility.
“This poses a big problem for our society since the winter is peak season for coal yards, and sending the horses back now would mean the horses are not going to be rested properly as advised by the vet and farrier,” explained the SPCA.
The SPCA said it will need assistance from the public with food, medical costs, and assistance in constructing a permanent structure to house these horses for the next months.
Midrand SPCA, Boardman and Evans have agreed to provide assistance to the horses’ owners to ensure regular checks are performed, education about appropriate care and medication is provided, and well-fitted equipment is used.
Moreover, the SPCA said, “It is important for them to work with communities to build relationships, gain trust and ultimately ensure that the well-being of all these animals is seen to.”
Members of the community who are able to help with the upkeep of the horses over the next three months are encouraged to contact the SPCA.
Details: Midrand SPCA 011 265 9935; manager@midrandspca.co.za
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