We started off with a Complaint about a horse. It was established that the horse was extremely old (38), and that all the right feed requirements were being met and everything that could be done, except for the dentist and perhaps some Coolstance. Donovan’s number passed on. We will continue to monitor.
The Crossbreed miniature cutie pie was returned to his rescuer, sans testicles. All good and paid for.
Three donkeys who we had been asked to move to their new owner and property, were transported with little problem. We wish them well and yes, Stanley will be visiting soon.
A Crossbreed pony and a donkey collected from their Foster parent. Condition excellent! And available for adoption.
And a potential Adoptor put his hand up to adopt 5 donkeys. YaaaY!
And that was just the first day!!
On the very next Sunday, a report received of a horse with a Blue and Black horse blanket on was found stray on Kragga Kamma Road! Not a good road to be on any time of the day with the condition of the road and visibility poor at the best of times. We were advised that someone had collected the horse before any calamities ensued. Whew!
Info received of yet another potential AHS. We were advised that in excess of 40 possible AHS cases had been attended to by the Department of Agriculture Vet and Vet Techs since the start of the outbreak. Worrying times all round. And then one of our own succumbed to AHS. A combination of Dunkop and Dikkop according to the Department of Agriculture. The story behind this is that when the surrendered herd arrived in December 2017 they were unvaccinatable being out of the specified time for doing vaccinations. So she never got one although she was due to be done in June 2018 when we did all our horses in the specified time. Arranging for a ‘dozer’ to dig a pit for the deceased was another matter altogether, because of new environmental laws brought in because of the Listeriosis outbreak in Gauteng, all the normal sites for disposal would not accept the carcass. A kind offer of a ‘dozer’ was received and the job completed. Thank you for coming to our rescue!
It only took four months to regain the use of our office landline. But it happened – YaaaaY!
A complaint was received of 4 donkeys on the N2 near Paterson. Handled ‘in house’ by Marie and Nadia. Well done and thank you, Ladies!
Our Kath, Daph, Malabar Jenny, Mommy, and Mikey departed to their new loving home. We hear that the youngster has taken a shine to the lady of the manor and follows her in and out the house. Kleva children! They all have their own stories about their old lives.
Our Staff have many talents. After retrieving our Colt back from its holding pattern while Insurance was sorted out, our Stan managed to get his hands on a second hand door and window for the damaged ones and along with Tom and Vuyo, they were able to fit to the Colt, and voila our Colt is back in action. Well done and thank you Stanley.
Our WESTERN OFFICER left us for a new career. Go well, boytjie!
A Complaint received via SPCA Uitenhage led to a visit by Stan and Carla to a Kwanobuhle donkey and pony owner to investigate and at the same time, harnessing and a bit were supplied to the owner, plus a deworming of the donkeys and ponies.
Our pony owner in Lusaka (Mission Road) phoned about her one pony, but before we could get there, the pony died. Not AHS.
Carla undertook an Investigation at the request of the ex owner to establish what exactly was happening with her horse who she had ‘given, free to a home’ and who felt that the horse’s condition was not good enough. After plenty of phonecalls and visits it was established that the current owner was aware of it and had set steps in motion to alleviate the problem, confirmed by the feed merchant. It really is very important that when you ‘give’ your horse away to somebody else, that documentary proof, i.e. a Contract, is signed. Because without it, you have no comebacks later!
We are happy to report that the Court Case that has been going on for over two years reconvened and Stanley was first in the Witness box. YaaaaY!
And then, we took the gap and vaccinated all our horses against AHS, followed by a number of other horses on foster.
Donald in Lusaka phoned frantically asking for help with his donkey in the late afternoon. His donkey had been hit by a car while working with his owner in the cart and now the donkey could not stand up. Carla and Sally sped off with the horsebox in case admitting to the Unit was required (you just never know). Bystanders assisted with getting the poor bloke into the horsebox and then off to 9th Avenue Clinic where Dr Cathy attended to him. Unfortunately ligaments, torn muscles and a crepitous (crunchy) hip were found – no question about it, Go to God, soonest. There are things we can fix, but there are times when we just do what is required. Painful for both the donkey and the staff but done. Unfortunately, this led to a facebook rumpus. For us, it is all about getting the donkey into a safe place in a dignified manner, forever.
And to follow, our one Kwanobuhle owner phoned for help with his Shorty, donkey who had clearly been stabbed in the abdomen. Yes, the hole was small, but you never know what is going on inside, how long the knife was and how far did it go in, and what intestines had been interfered with. He was collected and admitted after his Vet visit for observation. Not good, no pooh, not eating, smelly with the wound suppurating. Despite antibiotics and painkillers, he was sent to God after a few days. RIP
Our COUVERTURE left the Unit for a new life with kind, understanding folk. Go well, girlie!
Our Best Friend Forever, Jan Beyers delivered a number of truck loads of sand for our camps. Our grooms and equines, spent some time spreading and cleaning and spreading the sand in the camps as well as the Maternity Wing. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You.
A Complaint from Cape Town was sent on to the Cart Horse Protection Association for attention. It is a bit out of our ‘area’!
After a bit of a break in Transkei Missions due to vehicle issues, Stanley returned to the area, and caught up with a race and visited other rural horse owners where dewormer was administered where necessary and on request of the owners, hoof trimmings, distribution of tack (racing silks), and inspections of conditions of the horses. No nasties this time, Thank goodness. Unfortunately another ugly Facebook rant!!! After so many years, since 2012 when Stan went up for the first time, and after so many people demanding to know ‘what are you doing about Transkei’, there are still people out there who do not believe we should be helping the horses and donkeys in Transkei. Education, education, education – ALWAYS works!! People desperate to do the right thing by their equines.
Our GRACE delivered to her new parents.
A Recheck on 5 horses subject to Complaints was done by Stanley and Carla and Tom and they were exceedingly happy with the improved condition. At the same time there was a Complaint received of a pony foal killed by dogs. The pictures we received were stomach churning. Efforts are being made to have the dog issue resolved. Soonest.
GENEROUS DONATIONS OF TIME AND GOODIES RECEIVED DURING JUNE FOR WHICH WE ARE VERY THANKFUL:
All the Auction Room bidders and buyers – could not do it without you!!
FEED AND SEED – donation 10 bags cubes. Just in time!!
BLUE STEEL EQUESTRIAN – 16 sacks of lucerne chaff
M and M Feeds – Bags of cubes
Vink – Carrots and apples from the washed out bush walk
Charity Shop - AWS 6th Avenue, Walmer – two riding helmets donated.
Laura – teff roll donated.
KOLESKY – ½ teff roll
TANYA OF PAWPRINTS (dog groomers) – 3 Bales lucerne donated
Dr Charles – riding gear and meds
Anne – bread via 9th.
Barbara – tubs of fly muti.
Hannah – donated numnahs
Dewalt – bales Lucerne
VOLUNTEERS – Shannon, Chris and Kayleigh, Chris – morning feed up, Ayanda exercising, Demi, Kayla 2 hours work for her school project, Nicole and Danielle
OK, we are now on the road to the end of the year, already. Hope your brakes and steering are up for the ride.
M