The month started with another call out to uitenhage for a lame donkey , unfortunately there was some hostility and the donkey was taken away before we could get there. A revisit or two afterwards by Stanley and unfortunately still no donkey presented to us.
A call for help as no vets could come out to see colicky donkey. After advising to put separate with fresh water, it was thankfully ok as donkey seemed to just have a bit of flatulent colic and came right the same day. Too many green grass cuttings apparently.
Four donkeys and one pony’s hooves trimmed.
We then had a call for help re a stray donkey someone had taken in and now 6 weeks later the original owner wanting to reclaim it. Please note guys if you find a stray animal (on public roads) and you pick it up or decide to take it in: First step is to go to your nearest Police Station to report that you have taken the animal in, with all the relevant information as to where it was found and where it is now. The Police station will then give you an Ib or Ob number to keep on record so that if the owner goes to the police station there will be record of it there. Next step is to advertise on community network/group in the area. If no one comes forward to claim the animal within 7 days you are then the legal guardian of the animal ( Regulation 468 ) If the owner comes forward after this initial period of seven days then it becomes a civil case and you will have to fight it out in court if no arrangement can be made between the two parties.
Concern over an old laminitic mare. Advised owner to get a qualified, experienced farrier to manage her condition. Please don’t get any old ‘Joe’ to come trim the hooves, they must be qualified and experienced with this disease. Laminitis needs to be managed intensively and consistently. A vet was also called in to prescribe pain meds. Ultimately this old girl will never recover and the kindest thig to do will be to make a call. However at least for now her pain is being managed by the correct professionals.
Sunshine and Moon were unfortunately surrendered back to us but luckily had a new home lined up for them straight after collection. All the best darlings, you have so much space and grazing now enjoy!
A Concerned citizen in Stutterheim was guided on the procedure of taking in stray horses that needed help. She very kindly took them in and vetted, then went to Police station to report it. The owner did however come forward but she managed to persuade him to allow her to keep them, with black and white contract, as she had already paid the necessary vet bills that he was unable to pay. Thank you Natalie X
A Queenstown Complaint over Stray horses. Once again explained we unfortunately cannot come out unless the animals are restrained or injured. This is an ongoing problem that actually lies under ‘Animal control’ (municipalities) but we all know how that goes…
One more Donkey, Junior, gelded at request of owner. Sorted now please behave mr!
Eleven more donkeys hooves trimmed.
A complaint received of three ponies not looking good. After an inspection, two of the three were acceptable but the one 33 year looked a little worse for wear. With such an old pony it’s about keeping the animal as comfortable as possible until it can't anymore.
Three more Horses vaccinated for AHS
We then have the controversial issue of rehoming Otts (Off the Track thoroughbreds) from the race track. This is a national if not international problem and yes people are asking what are we doing about it? Well firstly the NHA(National HorseRacing Authority ) have regulations or are supposed to regarding horses coming off the track and being rehomed . Once upon a time some trainers would send some otts to us to asses and rehome under the safety net of our adoption contracts. However since Covid we have noticed a significant drop in this and noticing a lot of fly by nighters and youngsters, buying and selling horses directly from the trainers with some ending up in deplorable conditions. We, as the Units (Highveld , Coastal and ourselves ) have put it forward on email to the Racing Control Executive to sit in at the NHA s next Rules committee meeting to discuss these issues. It is currently compulsory for the trainers to complete a second career assessment form before selling or rehoming a race horse, but before Covid it was compulsory for a vet to sign this form off to ensure no badly injured horses were sent off to be rehomed or at least the relevant, correct information is given before doing so. However now the regulations have changed and it is NOT necessary for vet to sign off, only the trainer. We do not think this is correct and we are trying to change regulations but this takes time and there is so much we can do as Animal Welfare organisations unfortunately.
A complaint of a horse with an injured leg outside Graaf Reinette – After alerting all the aurthorities in the area, unfortunately the horse could not be found. Please if you see something like this report immediately with preferably a pic and a pin location. This just gives the animal a better chance of being rescued. Reporting it an hour will most likely be in vain.
A dead donkey outside Humansdorp / Hankey turn off with another stray donkey hanging around. By the time someone went past to look, no other donkeys were found.
Our sweet little Mouse, the baby that was brought in to us about a month ago basically on deaths door. Was delivered to her ever after home to be a companion to a slightly weighty lonely girl. Lets hope the weight evens out between the two of them ;) Go well darling Mouse X
We then had a scare with one of our baby donkeys developing some fluid on his lungs. First time for everything.. After the vet visited it was established that the because the mom had been attacked by dogs prior to the birth, one of her teats was disfigured allowing too much milk to be released. This had caused the milk to go down the airway. He was treated with antibiotics and we ended up superglueing the extra opening, which did the trick. Strange but true..Thankfully little Starboy has now recovered and is doing well . Aai these children make us worry so.
A property check for donkeys not suitable as lots of work to still be done.
We then did a much needed Outreach in Humansdorp, orgainsed by Freek, our helper on that side with stray equines. We dewormed over 60 cross breeds and supplied some tack and educated as much as we could. We also came across a foal with a badly injured leg. After assessing for next few days he was found to have a big abscess which we treated, hoping that the leg would recover after.
Unfortunately a week later after abscess had cleared the poor child could still not put pressure on his leg and the sad decision was made to euthanase. Possible nerve damage? RIP little darling, you were too good for this world. One day you will see your mom again. This heart ache takes its toll on a person. But at least we tried and he did not die alone suffering L
We then had another case of one of our own children being possibly kicked on the knee. He was extremely sore but thankfully after Xrays it was found to be only soft tissue damage. Thank Heavens no broken bones or fractures. Doing much better now. Unfortunately we have limited space and camps at the Unit and cannot always prevent accidents like this from happening, always having to prioritise the patients that need to be kept separate at that time. Let’s hope one day we will get more land. Anyone with no children keen to leave us some land in their will??
Finally our beautiful Asterix went to his home after waiting almost two years : SEE PHOTO Enjoying the water/dam he always wanted and not just a water bath.
Our Humble addict was also snatched up quickly by a doting mom after behaving so well on her tryout. Yay! Go well beautiful child, enjoy the spoils.
Unfortunately the stunning Hot to Trot had to be returned. Collected and admitted to the Unit. Shame girly, we will try again ..
Horses on a dodge premises have thankfully been moved to more suitable premises with grazing. People underestimate what a difference grazing can make to a horses condition. Already looking much better.
A day of property checks out of town. There is a reason we don’t like to adopt more than two hours away from town. It just makes the logistics too difficult to keep track of. So please understand. If we can be assured it is a good home with little to no chance of being returned then maybe.
Then, a panicked adopter, far down the Elands River road called about a badly injured leg. Thank you Dr Mulder for making the time to go out so far. The boy was treated and eventually brought in to the Unit after a nightmare trip (as our vehicle was in for a service and the vehicle used to tow the box lost an axle in the process) to allow for daily intensive care. He is now safe with us, improving daily.
Rechecks on 11 donkeys and seven horses. Definitely dewormer needed for donkeys. Advised owner.
Unfortunately sweet Blossom and Sugar had to be returned to us so we collected and admitted to the Unit. They are the sweetest girls and were returned on no fault of their own. Please if you can give them a loving home please contact us L
A horse knocked over in Ngcobo (more than four hours away from us) . Thankfully the closest SPCA managed to go and end the suffering. RIP sweetheart L
Thirteen more donkeys and four horses hooves trimmed.
Stan attended another traditional race in King Williams Town. Mostly educational and ensuring the horses and the track were acceptable for racing. A few cross breeds/mules and donkeys also tendered to.
An urgent request to do some form of outreach in Nieu Bethesda, is being organised for early next month. Thank you Mandy and Victoria for reaching out and raising money to bring us up hopefully early December.
Lastly our Beautiful Rock Stardom had to be returned ONCE AGAIN L But this time we really think the right angel has come along with no intention of returning her. This is it Star, third time lucky for sure.
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING November FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Jayde Mangold 3 bales of Lucerne. Dropped off at unit.
DONATION – 4 bales lovely Lucerne from (Zaza) PE Bowling Club.
DONATION – Jane Boots , stirrups, halters and chaps.
DONATION – Leon Alberts Blankets , Tack Bridle, Saddle rack . Thankyou Leon .
DONATION – 10 bales lovely Lucerne – Sonja Bierman
DONATION – 2 bales Teff Janine
DONATION – Oats – Carol(Dropped off)
DONATION – Bag of Blankets – Anon
DONATION – Janine Lockem – nice childrens riding clothes etc.
DONATION – Jayde Equestrian/ Maree Lamont – 5 saddles , blankets and old tack . Thank You So Much !
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 – Sonja and Kierra
VOLUNTEER – Susan
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.