Started the month with a re check on pending court case which has been slow to get to court, maybeif our justice system worked better we would have prevented more unnecessary neglect….
Two of our 3 mangy boys are doing great after regular treatment but the last boy, Ringo , who has a large sarcoid/growth is still battling as obvious extra strain on his immune system causing the delay. We’ll get u there boy don’t worry, you got this!
The donkey we collected for removal and bandaging thereafter of a big sarcoid /growth, healed up beautifully and was returned home after 10 days. Yay! Assisted owner in home treatment follow up and happy to say growth and wound totally healed.
A recheck on suspect horses looking so much better! Amazing what a consistency and acknowledged advice can do.
Four horses hooves’ trimmed..
Four donkeys out again near lakeside. Thankfully all donkeys were found and returned home safe and sound.
A request to view an elderly horse to advise if it was time yet to euthanase. After visiting, we could see the horse was happy enough, slight drop in condition and lack of muscle but otherwise still good to go. Advised to have teeth done and feed extra supplement, coolstance, to bulk up a bit of weight with high quality fats and fiber rather than starch.
A complaint of a horse on the N2, but where on the N2? by the time the pin location came through it was far too late. Please remember to send location of stray horses/donkeys as soon as you report it, otherwise might not as well send it through.
A complaint re donkeys that are regularly out on the Rocklands road was addressed by contacting the owner and issuing a warning that if his donkeys are out on the road again they will be brought in and he expected to cover the costs. Otherwise option to surrender them to the Unit. Let’s wait and see what transpires..
Two donks from walmer arrived at our gate at 8am, checking themselves in for a day or two of R&R.
After a mare was badly injured by a stallion in Nieu Bethesda, a vet was called out and gave the grave prognosis of a severe fracture. Victoria, the wonderful, organised for her to be humanely PTS. Thank you Victoria for always being there for them. RIP girl X Ahhh if only stallions were illegal or could be gelded by just looking at them…
Another two property checks done for two of our lovelys and two more donks. Passed with flying colours.
A property check for out two lilttleys, Coco and Buttons, went well enough to deliver the same day! Go well little ones, enjoy the spoils and the kids at your party! SEE PHOTO:

A recheck done on two X breeds. One older and in need of some attention but advised owner and they will heed to our suggestions.
A 42yr old horse is under scrutiny as looking very much like a 42 year old, and decision time is looming. Awaiting a vet report as just because he is doing all the right things doesn’t mean he is not suffering…
A recheck on 4 donkeys, 6 X breeds and one Tb - Happy to report all doing great!! Especially one little boy ;) who will need his testicles removed very soon.
A complaint of a competitor with under - weight/conditioned horses. We visited and advised to deworm with correct equine dewormer and to feed more fodder. Recheck in a few weeks to follow up on improvement. Please note if you are going to show your horses at public events, make sure they are in show condition!
Then for our annual RACE DAY, organised by the lovely Dorrie and Mark Sham. A whopping R450K brought in! Thank you to all the sponsors and each and every one of you who bought a brick for our wall of welfare. A lovely day and so much support. Thank you Shams X
Then a morning with the special kids from In Safe Hands, what a privilege to connect deserted children with deserted animals. The joy in those children’s faces, their desire for touch and connection. We thoroughly enjoyed our morning together and will hopefully see them again soon.
So we have had some concern over a local man’s horses roaming in an inland town. The horses are in a good condition despite a few ticks and grazes here and there. We made contact with the welfare lady in the town as well as the owner of the horses. It was established that it would be best to work with the owner and offer guidance and education rather than force. The owner is willing to accept help but not surrender or sell his animals. Yes ideally he should have a camped in area for his horses but we are living in South Africa and I’ts impossible for all the welfares to take in all these animals unless absolutely necessary.
Another colt, gelded at owner’s request.
A call from the SPCA in uitenhage re a donkey who had been stabbed. Upon collection , it was deemed pretty serious and after a visit to our vet it was decided the best decision would be to PTS. He was almost completely blind and had suffered some nerve damage from stab wound to the spine. Rest In Peace poor child, no doubt he had suffered from being blind in the township too.. Eight other donkeys located in kwanobuhle looked acceptable.
Finally a problematic ‘Sanctuary’ has been dissolved. Horses that were taken in will be properly assessed after they have been treated for parasites etc. and homed into suitable homes where possible. Please do not send your animals to non - legit ‘Sanctuaries’ do your research first..
A beautiful boy surrendered to the Unit from the Race Track. The Stunning, Tail of The Comet. Watch this space for further info and viewing.
After getting in a few horses we managed to foster our little Ash into a wonderful foster home with two donkeys as his companions. Ash was the youngest in the herd and pretty bullied to say the least, so we are super happy to know his is King pin in his new little paradise, where there is no need for bullies ..
Another happy home for the beautiful Macy. Yay! We moved her to a loving farm with her old friend Rose. Go well darlings! So happy for you special girls!
Another complaint of ponies getting out in the Greenbushes area, by re offender. Ponies safely back next day.
Our Sweet old Lady Gladys, went over the rainbow bridge after experiencing difficulties at her retirement home. Sometimes it’s all just too much.. Her body said its time. Thank you M for being there for her in her last Months and showing her the care she deserved. Rest in Peace darling Gladys, we are privileged to have had you in our lives.
A request to surrender an old mare ended in homing to a nearby farm. Rechecks to follow.
Another call from Uitenhage re two donkeys that had been attacked by dogs. Upon collection deemed to be not as serious as initially suspected. Both donkeys collected, admitted to the Unit however and have been treated with necessary meds. Will let them have a good rest before returning to owner.
Hope you all have had a blessed Easter Weekend!
Till Next Time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING March FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – Carol Pitt – old Tack
DONATION – Xtreme Models Apples and carrots
DONATION – Old tack - anon
DONATION – half bag horse feed – Nadine
DONATION – Fodder loose – T7 pet supplies
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
VOLUNTEERS – Sophie & Charlie @2:45pm
VOLUNTEER – Danell
VOLUNTEER - Caydn
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.