June '23

A cold, wet miserable month it was.  Here’s to Summer being on her way, it just makes the bad more bearable if the sun is shining ;)


We started our Birthday month with a loud bang on Victoria drive. A large cow had been knocked down and totaled the car that hit it. The cow was not in a good way and Michael was called in to relieve the animal. He was there within an hour of the accident, Thank you Michael once again for always being there for them.  Bad light on the roads this time of year,  please remember to drive extra cautiously on our roads  for the next month or so,  early mornings and late afternoons are the worst.


We had another attempted break in but they got stuck on the 3rd lock. Ha Ha!


Two donkeys readopted thankfully. We are pretty full up with Donkeys at the moment so  please contact us if you are looking for some wise, furry, friendly lawn mowers..


We went to collect two of our adoptees who were being returned due to the typical pesky LIFE problems, the ones we know all too well. Very sad for all involved L  Now AVAIABLE FOR ADOPTION: EASTER AND SOUND (Best Buds)

A complaint received re another cow that had been down for few days. Guided them with the law (Animals Protection Act  no 71 of 1963, Section 5 of 12) Any officer may, if he thinks the animal is so diseased or severely injured that it is kinder to put it out of it’s misery without the owner’s consent if a vet or two adults of sound mind are present and agree.


Two donkeys and one pony dewormed on request of the owner.


Follow up on a stubborn complaint. Now awaiting vets visit to go take the next step.


A call for help from township owner after his donkey was bitten by suspected’ Nomatsi’ (Mongoose) Yes it does happen. Luckily the donkey was already vaccinated against Rabies. Just in case, as the mongoose is a common carrier of the disease. The donkey was collected and treated accordingly.


A complaint from far away re a donkey with a broken leg. Advised that the kindest thing to do is euthanise. As no vets were close enough, only hours away, we guided with  the position and how to shoot. RIP sweet child .Sad but best solution for broken legs in the rural areas.


Thankfully the African Horse Sickness vaccine is available again so all horses at the Unit vaccinated with the first batch. PLEASE REMEMBER TO VACCINATE your animals, who knows how long they will be available.


Unfortunately one of the little karoo siblings have been returned to the unit on request of the livery yard she had gone to.  Semi wild yearlings need consistent work and if left to their own devices will only deteriorate in behaviour. The Unit is a lot more’ hands on’, with experienced staff and  caring volunteers. Don’t expect the grooms at a livery/yard to put in all the work for you, it’s not going to happen and in truth it’s not their responsibility.


Two more darling little donkeys vaccinated against Rabies and dewormed simultaneously. Once again on request of the owner. Please be advised:  We cannot remember or remind you to vaccinate all the animals that have been adopted from us .It is just not possible, you as the adopter are responsible for diarising and remembering to get it done. We are more than happy to assist however if you ask us to administer for you once you have contacted us.


Two of Jackson s donkeys booked themselves in for a little R n R over the long Weekend.


Complaint received and followed up of a Thoroughbred that had been bought off the track and was  left without proper care/feed. Seems they have now sold the horse on and in another’s care for now.  Will remain in touch until it is moved to a new premises.


An unfortunate case of donkeys breaking into the chicken Feed room. Chicken feed is HIGHLY TOXIC to donkeys and horses, so please make sure it is kept safely away from any clever ‘Houdinis’ in the hood. Three unfortunately did not make it and passed within 24 hours of consumption. The fourth one survived thanks to the vets quick action and treatment.


We then had a puzzling complaint of one of our adopted out donkeys.  She was shaking and lifting her hind legs in a weird manner. My immediate reaction was Cynanchum poisoning but after walking the property flat in the pouring rain none were found. We advised some activated charcoal in case she had eaten something else toxic. She was still eating, passing pooh but not too much urine. It is common for donkeys to drink very little in the cold, wet weather so that wasn’t too concerning either.  The vet was called out twice over a period of two weeks and even she was not certain. Eventually the conclusion was made that it was a secondary symptoms of laminitis and she was exhibiting her pain in a different manner than usual ,most likely because of the cold wet weather. At least she is on the mend now feeling much better thankfully.  


Recheck on two donkeys resulted  in deworming both as was overdue.


We received a complaint of donkey lying next to the highway near the salt pans. Unfortunately It was cold by the time we got there, obviously knocked by a truck and died instantly. RIP boy. Body transported straight to KKGP.


A recheck on one of our Tbs, a little concerning but still ok for now, will keep close eye on the situation though.


Another AHS and Flu/tetanus vaccine administered on owner’s request. Tb looking fantastic!! So good to see him being looked after so well. Thank you!


A call from the track of yet another ‘Abandoned’ Tb.  We collected and admitted to the Unit safe and sound. A beautiful gem of a girl, very easy to work with.


Another complaint of a livery yard in Sardinia Bay.


Two complaints received from two separate owners who had left their horses in care of another person they supposedly trusted.  Only to find out they were not being cared for properly and organised to move them from the premises ASAP. Please remember, if you are unable to care for your horse anymore or moving overseas, do the right thing and rather euthanase if you cannot be sure or available to follow up on regularly. Black and white contracts are a great safety net too. Cannot emphasise this enough!


A very sad case of cancer in one of our youngsters. The adopter still wants to give her the best while she can. Bless her and praying for a miracle.. 


Something is brewing on the sidelines..  Sunday lunch plans anyone? Keep an eye on the page for further details to follow.

Until next time, keep keeping yours and yourselves warm and dry!

Carla


GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING June FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!


DONATION – 150 bales Grassmix – Marcel / Matilda!! WOW SOOO Grateful!

DONATION – Carla 2 x locks and hammer.

DONATION – Chris welding security gates (yet again)

DONATION – Feed n Seed 2 x cubes

DONATION –  Jenny -  2 x saddles and numnahs also lovely painting by Tori Stowe Which still needs to be taken down.

DONATION – Nicky – 10 bales teff and 5 bales Lucerne

DONATION – Chantal - Saddles and Bridles and Numnahs and halters

DONATION – 10 bags of shavings – Susan


Please note we also have donators who put money into our account every month, even though we don’t mention your names and amounts, please know how grateful we are to you for it!


VOLUNTEER – Brett

VOLUNTEER - Alex

VOLUNTEERS – Estelle and Josh

VOLUNTEERS – Greg and Maddy

VOLUNTEER – Kayla and Tania

VOLUNTEERS – Sonja and Kierra

VOLUNTEERS – Susan


Banking Details: Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit:  Standard Bank Current Account 080733875, Code 051001. Reference: Your name. Facebook: EAST CAPE HORSE CARE UNIT Contact numbers Office cellphone 072 357 2505 NO LANDLINE email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.