Warning: Graphic content
GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) is determined to get justice in one of the worst cases of animal neglect that they have come across.
On Monday 18 March they received a distressing call from a member of the public regarding the welfare of an emaciated horse.
They immediately responded to the area where the horse was said to be, but despite tireless efforts to locate the suffering animal, the team's search was in vain.
"On Thursday [21 March] we offered a R1 000 reward for any information leading to the whereabouts of the horse called Cavalier, an emaciated grey horse," said senior inspector Salomé Bruyns.
That afternoon brought a glimmer of hope as they received a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
The dedicated team of six embarked on a mission to a forested area south of Pacaltsdorp, where Cavalier was believed to be.
"After splitting up to cover more ground, one of our animal handlers stumbled upon two other horses on the fringes of the forest. Following them deeper into the woods, he was led to Cavalier, who lay tied to a tree, abandoned and alone, less than 50m away," said Bruyns.
The sight that greeted them was harrowing. Cavalier's boney body was ravaged by severe chronic infection and untreated abscesses in both hooves.
He could barely stand. His suffering was palpable, the infection having spread to his bones and joints.
"Despite our team's best efforts and the immediate attention of our veterinarian upon returning to the SPCA, the agonising decision was made to end his suffering," said Bruyns.
Cavalier's two companions were also rescued by the GRSPCA and are now in their care.
Earlier this week they also rescued a dog form Bergplaas that had been shot in the face with a pellet gun. Click here to read this amazing story.
An emaciated Cavalier could barely stand unassisted.
But the mission doesn't end with Cavalier's rescue. The GRSPCA is offering a
R2 000 reward to anyone who steps forward with information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of the individual responsible for Cavalier's abandonment in the forest.
"We are also embarking on community engagement in Pacaltsdorp. Those who would like to participate in educational outreaches are encouraged to reach out to the GRSPCA via email at inspector1@grspca.co.za," said Bruyns.
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