Akasia sanctuary needs help to care for 12 horses
The shelter is struggling to raise the funds to cover the cost of veterinary services for animals in its care.
A horse shelter in Akasia needs help to care for its 12 horses.
The sanctuary takes care of horses and helps animal shelters in the area when they are overcrowded by fostering and providing shelter for pets.
The Akasia Horse Shelter has had financial struggles in its tireless effort towards the care of these abandoned horses.
The non-profit sanctuary is for older horses that have been retired from racing and stray or injured horses in need of medical care. The animals are at times used to educate the local youth about proper animal care.
Though the shelter has been providing a tremendous service, the problem is that it has been having a hard time making the required amount of money to feed and treat the animals, as well as provide other amenities.
Founder Marilita van de Berg is asking for support from the community to ensure that she can continue the important work of caring for these animals.
“We provide these animals with a safe and loving environment and the team works tirelessly to ensure that they receive the best possible care,” Van de Berg said.
They currently shelter 12 horses that need comprehensive care.
“We need donations such as horse feed, teff and lucerne bales.
“We also rescue dogs and cats if the other shelters are full, so we also need dog and cat food, as well as cat litter.
“All the funding now is out of my pocket and it’s getting difficult with everything,” said van de Berg.
She said the cost of providing this care is significant, and the shelter relies on the support of the community to continue its vital work.
“The shelter’s lack of funding has limited its ability to provide for all the needs of the animals in its care and to rescue additional animals in need.
“Despite the challenges, the shelter remains dedicated to its mission of helping horses in need.”
Apart from its rescue and care work, the shelter also plays a pivotal role in educating the local youth about proper animal care.
“We do have schoolchildren that visit the shelter and we teach them the importance of looking after animals properly and sterilising their pets.
“We also love it when volunteers come in to help with all the work at the shelter, I mean it’s a lot of work to look after these beautiful creatures and we appreciate a helping hand.”
She said this work not only benefits the horses in the shelter’s care but also helps to create a more compassionate and responsible community.
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