Working animal abuse in villages: SPCA to educate perpetrators
The SPCA in Polokwane says they receive complaints on a daily basis about the abuse of donkeys in the Bloodriver area.
POLOKWANE – The local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will embark on an outreach programme in Bloodriver in the coming weeks, with the aim of educating, supporting and adding value to the lives of abused working animals.
According to Selma Landman, Manager at SPCA Polokwane, the amount of abuse these animals face is horrendous.
“We have a serious problem of donkeys being abused in the area. We receive daily complaints about these animals being hit, abused, the heavy loads they need to carry, as well as not receiving water and food or resting time,” she explained.
Selma said if their inspectors visit these places with branded vehicles, they are attacked.
“We therefore need to get the police involved and we plan to do this on a Wednesday, so that we can get our vet, Dr Eljane van Tonder involved so she’ll be able to treat the animals. Our plan is to begin next week or the week thereafter ,” she explained.
In the meantime, Selma has called on animal-lovers to donate halters, horse food, grass or bowls.
“The biggest problem is a lack of decent harnesses as the ones the perpetrators use chafe the animals. Wire and rope is often used as bits and we hope to provide better suited bits for the donkeys,” she said.
Selma said their plan is to spend the whole day in Bloodriver and thereafter visit at least once a week, due to the amount of cruelty.
“People get sensualism out of posting these types of incidents on social media. A lot of responsible owners bring their animals in as they cannot look after them anymore, while others just abandon them. Donkeys are the animals who receive the most horrendous treatment; it is shocking,” she added.
Any contributions, be it a cash donation for fuel, feed, bits, harnesses, halters, bridles, or any equine related product, can be dropped off at their premises at 46 Lansdale, Roodepoort, Polokwane.
“These contributions may also be dropped off at the SPCA Charity Shop at Savannah Mall. We plan to also help other domestic animals, so collars, leashes, and dog and cat food will help us to have a impactful outreach and touch the lives of many animals and their owners,” she concluded.
