Horse left for dead on the side of the road in Bethal
Ms Coetzer said there are also signs on the horses’ backs that indicate when the animals have abused from a young age.
BETHAL – “I will do everything possible to find the guilty person,” vowed Ms Laurna Coetzer, inspector at Bethal SPCA, after a horse had been ridden so badly, that it could no longer move.
The stallion eventually died on Sunday, 22 August, from the tremendous trauma that had been inflicted on him.
Ms Coetzer was called to attend to an injured and abandon horse in Tsibitsa Sibanyoni Street on Thursday, 20 August. She was greeted by the heart-wrenching site of a stallion that was abandoned and left for dead on the side of the road.
She received a tip off of children riding three horses, but upon investigating, Ms Coetzer only found the one horse.
“They had ridden the horse and left him for dead,” said Ms Coetzer.
The horse that had since been named Freddie was weak to the point where he could not get up. The horse had been ridden so badly, that it could no longer move.
An extreme amount of saltpetre was visible on his body.
The animal was given concentrated food and electrolyte water, and then later transported to a place of safety where he could be taken care of. A veterinarian examined him and prescribed the necessary treatment. A close eye was kept on him for two days.
Freddie’s caregiver said the horse’s body went into continuous spasms the entire time.
Freddie had to be fed and given water by hand because he was too weak to lift his head.
“His body and organs were just too weak to recover,” said Ms Coetzer.
Freddie was diagnosed with Monday Morning Disease and due to the extent of internal damage and injuries, the animal did not survive.
“We have a huge problem of stock theft in this area. These horses are stolen and used by dwellers and youngsters who stay near or in townships. They abandon the animals when they can’t use them anymore.”
Ms Coetzer said there are also signs on the horses’ backs that indicate when the animals have abused from a young age. The dent in their backs is proof of it.”
Animal cruelty is a criminal offence according to the Animal Cruelty Act 71 of 1962. One can get prosecuted and receive a fine and/or prison time. If you know of anyone or suspect any animal cruelty, report it to the nearest SPCA or NSPCA at 011 907 3590.
The Bethal SPCA contact numbers are 017 647 5360 or 066 397 1630 during office hours. The emergency number is 072 573 3122.
