GEORGE NEWS - The shocking and all-too-common practice of riding horses to the brink of death was highlighted again last weekend when the SPCA was called out to rescue a couple of horses in Pacaltsdorp.
Inspector Colleen Esstel Joa-Lee Thysse and education officer Verdi Alaart were called out on Saturday night after children came across the horses lying exhausted behind a shop in Pacaltsdorp.
Alaart, who is also a member of the Pacaltsdorp Riding Club, was saddened by this and considers it abuse.
Salomé Bruyns, general manager of GRSPCA, says the team managed to load both the horses and took them in for medical attention. "They are still very sore and weak. Horses are ridden into the ground on a regular basis, and we fear, for the school holidays just around the corner. A solution needs to be found. We will have to meet with authorities and find a way forward to end this."
Bruyns says they spoke to the owner of the horses, who alleges that they were stolen. She says they will definitely also need the support of the public to help stop abuse of this kind.
"Although these horses were left next to the road with no eyewitness so far, we will investigate the matter and offer a reward for information leading to successful arrest."
She confirmed that a case of animal cruelty is being investigated, as according to Act 71 of 1962, it is a crime to ride an animal into the ground. She says the SPCA currently has 11 horses in its care, and donations of horse feed will be appreciated.
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