So to some up 2024 in a numbers: We saw just over 1000 horses and 400 donkeys through inspections, rechecks and outreach. Adopted out 70 animals (Horses and donkeys) and managed to remove 26 testicles (ie 13 equine) ;) We would also just like to THANK each and every one who has supported us over 2024 and may the love continue ;)
Jackson’s donkey decided to bring himself back to the unit at 7am in the morning , waiting patiently by the gate. Good boy Jahmal! Jackson, the last donkey cart owner in walmer usually keeps all three of his sterilized donkeys with us but sometimes takes them out to graze near Arlington
One lame donkey sorted
A recheck resulted in a necessary deworm of 6 donkeys. Thank you Carli for sorting accordingly..
Bevi, our donkey with the messed up jaw, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy ‘Kwedin’, who has proved to be very confident in himself amongst the herd ;) Welcome little man.
Can you believe Rock Stardom had to find another home after the last adopters have to leave the country. Thankfully an angel in human form stepped forward to give this girl one last chance at happiness. The love shared between this family and Star is definitely for keeps. You deserve it beautiful girl. Thank You Anika!
Our sweet girls May and Lieber, brought in from uitenhage, were adopted out to a lovely couple with lots of little goat friends to keep them company. Go well sweetest girls, so happy for you.
Last Four horses vaccinated for AHS , yes June to October is the correct time to vaccinate, but better month or two late than never.
Two healthy donkeys returned to their owner after he called for help after they were bitten by dogs.
A complaint of an underweight, old horse in Mossel Bay area was handed over to Inspector at George SPCA to handle.
We then received a cry for help from Nieu Bethesda re some serious issues like over breeding and lack of knowledge on how to care properly for their animals . Mandy Roets, who visits the area often managed to organise the funding to make it happen. The kind community in Nieu Bethesda welcomed us with open arms, sorting our accommodation and food for the two days we were there. The valuable Victoria, involved in the animal welfare of the town was pivotal in communicating and co ordinating the local horse owners to participate and arrive on time on the day. We saw just under 130 horses and a four donkeys. Dewormed all, treated for ticks where necessary and handed out wound treatment and tack supplies where we could. Obviously there is still a great need for more supplie,s as we will do a follow up clinic in hopefully April 2025. So anyone who has old halters, numnahs, bridles and bits (in acceptable working condition) can donate to us for this project specifically, it would be greatly appreciated. Overall it was a very positive response and we look forward to continuing on these relationships established for a while to come.
Four donkey’s hooves trimmed
Whilst we were in Nieu Bethesda, one of our own donkeys at the Unit sadly and suddenly passed away. Strange as were no obvious symptoms but we made sure the state vet came out to take samples just in case it was the dreaded Rabies. Thank Heavens the results came back negative. Rest In Peace Sugar, so sorry darling L
Another six horses and donkeys at the unit vaccinated against rabies.
We have had some WONDERFUL donations of feed this month and how welcome at this time of year! Thank you to each and every one who donated (list at the bottom ) We so appreciate you X
A complaint of a farm horse been sold to rural owner who has not been caring or kind. Janine, from Hole in the Wall, is thankfully dealing with new arrogant owner and tendered to the horse. Thank you Janine for all the work you do for the animals in your area.
We then attended the lovely Wilbur Walk , sponsored and organised by the amazing Nicky Charliewood from Grass Roof. Another great success and enjoyable day filled with wonderful prizes. A very welcome 20k into the bank account. Thank you to all who brought tickets and to Nicky and the Grass Roof once again, you are amazing X
We had a relatively quiet Christmas Thankfully. With one very special, little Princess being born just in time to see the eve in.
Welcome to the world precious Princess
Stanley did however go off to Transkei for the annual traditional race on Boxing day. All the way in Ngcobo, a busy day for Stan with so many animals to see.
Another seven donkeys and two horse’s hooves tendered to
One very sorrowful Benji, gelded so he can be off to his forever home in the new year. Yay!
An ongoing concern of an old laminitic mare who has been suffering due to the owner’s lack of knowledge /keenness to listen to help. Laminitis is no joke and needs intensive management. You have to realise that overfeeding or feeding your horse with the incorrect feed is causing unnecessary suffering. When your horse is so old, is it really fair to keep her going if it is clearly suffering? Some people just DON’T want to listen. However After specialist farrier, vet and ourselves stepped in once again let’s hope it sinks in now . Either keep the horse confined with very little food or do the kinder option in our eyes and pts. Thirty is a good age so there is no need to try to prevent in inevitable.
Advice on wound treatment for the donkey owners in Alicedale and a request to possibly do an outreach that side in the New Year. Will do our best.
Assistance in another euthanasia.
A call for help from Humansdorp after an owner dipped his horse with too strong a solution of cow dip. Advised him to wash the horse thoroughly with soap and warm water, which then thankfully made a full recovery. PLEASE NOTE : only use dips that have horses on the label and is safe to use on them. Always read mixing instructions carefully to ensure correct, safe measurements.
We then have the issue of a ‘Sanctuary’ that is falling apart slowly but surely. They have been evicted once again. There are 20 odd horses that have been collected over the years and now the main member /instigator /director has just abandoned them when the going got tough. Now these animals have a very uncertain future because of one, let’s say ‘Unstable woman’. We have been helping where we can and removed two horses needing attention and will probably remove more depending on the following few weeks to come. They are safe for now with carers but we are monitoring closing. Before you decide to make a whole lot of ANIMALS RELIANT ON YOU be sure to have land secured and the necessary finances and resources in place to protect these animals at all costs. It doesn’t help to ‘Rescue’ /collect/hoard animals if you or your resources are not secure and stable! I tell you what these poor animals have to endure with the state of some people’s mental capacity(or incapacity). Makes one very angry to say the least. A huge Thank You to Michael, Gideon and Grant who helped to collect the two horses when we had no vehicle. THANK YOU!
A complaint received re horses in Oyster Bay. Still to be followed up in the New Year as time running out and our one vehicle has been very busy and having two serious punctures which had to be attended to.
A donkey out on Boundary Lane on Sunday afternoon. The donkey recognized and owner contacted resulting in the donkey being retrieved by owner within the hour and returned home safely.
Lastly and unfortunately Humble Addict’s new companion was not settling with him and his new adopter asked us to come fetch him as not working out. Oh if only he had more time. Please know that it takes any animal (Horse, Donkey, Dog, Cat ) six months to a year to settle properly . So please give them a chance to settle with all your other animals. It’s only fair. Luckily he had another interested party who jumped at the opportunity to take him. Very knowledgeable, patient lady. Let’s hope this is your last home boy. There is nothing wrong with you I promise, you will be loved and appreciated the way you deserve. All the best boy. Thankfully had a safe trip as out of town and not a great time of year to be on the road with a horse/box but all safe and sound. Very grateful. Thank You Jaine X
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING December FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – North field Engineering – 30 bales fodder ! Thank you !
DONATION – Dawn Rogers – Tack for Nieu Bethesda
DONATION – Prosne Bits for Nieu Bethesda
DONATION – Susan tack
DONATION – WWW Family – 150 bales Grass Mix ! Yay!! Thank you so much !
DONATION - Anon 7 bales of teff(Kingfisher lane) Stan collected by accident
DONATION – 2 bags of cubes
DONATION – Feed N Seed 2 bags of cubes
DONATION – Waikato 10 bales Lucerne Yay!! Thank you
DONATION – Anon – 2 bales Lucerne left outside aws gate
DONATION – Ashleigh and Kim 20 bales grass mix
DONATION – 2 bags old tack (Anon)
DONATION – Ellie 2 x Lucerne
DONATION – Anon 1 bag green teff
DONATION – Marion 4 bales grassmix
DONATION – 25 bales teff – Sam Schewitz
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 – Nicole
VOLUNTEER – Alex
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.