Sick. Wounded. Forced to Work.
Three horses. Three cases of cruelty in only three weeks – And cruelty for hire— is exposed as a grim reality for Cape Town’s working horses. These are their stories.
March 5th: Broken, Bleeding, and Still Forced to Work
Inspector Jeffrey Mfini spotted a pony in distress on Spine Road, Mitchells Plain. The pony’s fetlocks were bleeding from deep puncture wounds. Crude, ill-fitting tack dug into him and he was still doing his best, still trying even though every step brought him suffering.
“We were his only chance,” says Inspector Mfini, “There was no way I was going to let him work in this state”.
With the help of the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit, the SPCA seized the pony. He is now safe, healing at the SPCA’s Horse Care Unit.
March 5th: A Risk with Every Step
Later that same day, Inspector Julian Van Der Zandt came across another pony struggling to pull a cart. She was shod on only one hoof—every step putting her at risk of injury.
Those driving her tried to flee. They failed.
“This wasn’t a lack of education or understanding. They knew they were in the wrong,” says Van Der Zandt. “Why else would they attempt to flee?”.
Fortunately, we could count on Law Enforcement’s support and the SPCA took the pony into care. Another pony given a chance to rest, a reprieve from a life sentence of suffering while we fight for a permanent one.
March 17th: Crushed Under an Impossible Load
A dark bay mare, named Willamina, was dragging a scrap car on a cart (the 4th case we have encounted like this recently). The load alone weighed 880kg. The three men riding the cart added even more weight. She was physically buckling. Her body was failing, but they kept pushing. And she also kept trying, because what else could she do?
Inspector Van Der Zandt intervened immediately, detaching her from the crushing weight. A seizure notice was issued. Willamina was transported to the SPCA’s Horse Care Unit. Her owner, Moestakiem Jacobs, and his two accomplices—one the owner, the others renters—were arrested under the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962.
“She was failing under a weight she should never have carried. They didn’t care. We did.” – Inspector Julian Van Der Zandt
Rent for a Day. Used, Abused, Repeat.
These horses weren’t just neglected—they were exploited. Many working horses aren’t even owned by those driving them. They are rented for the day, in conditions of neglect, and then forced to pull loads beyond their strength. This is their life… Neglect, abuse and exploitation on repeat.
Change is Coming.
We have made recommendations to amend the City’s by-laws to better protect working horses. The draft is under review. It will not undo the suffering these horses have endured, but it can help prevent it from happening again.
Until then, we will keep seizing, rescuing, and arresting—until there are no more horses for hire.
A Thank You to Those Who Stand With Us
We extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit for their commitment to the animals of Cape Town and their support of the work of the SPCA. Our load is made easier by their service. We’re equally thankful for every donor who supports the work of our Horse Care Unit. Thank you for your donations that help us stop this exploitation and protect its victims.
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