Yesterday, 28 July 2024, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA intervened to rescue a cart horse that was repeatedly beaten in a cruel manner and worked in the rain. The incident unfolded when a vigilant resident of the Rondebosch area witnessed the distressing scene from her kitchen. Observing two men on a cart-horse brutally whipping the animal to make it run faster, she bravely took immediate action.
Without hesitation, the resident ran out of her house and chased the men and horse on foot. Despite her efforts to stop them, the men ignored her and continued to beat the horse. In a shocking turn of events, one of the men even attempted to whip the resident. Undeterred, she continued her pursuit for five streets, until local security and the Rondebosch SAPS arrived to assist.
Upon intervention, it was discovered that the horse was soaking wet from being worked in the rain. Additionally, the horse’s hooves were found to be in poor condition, indicating further neglect and mistreatment. The men and the horse were subsequently taken to the Rondebosch SAPS, where SPCA Inspectors intervened and seized the horse. The perpetrators were arrested and are set to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on charges of animal cruelty under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. Additionally, they face charges for failing to comply with the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-Law, 2021, which regulates working animals within the city.
Under the Animals Protection Act, it is a criminal offence to cruelly beat an animal. Conviction can result in a fine of up to R40,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment, along with a criminal record.
The City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-Law mandates that working equines must be registered with the City. The driver must possess a permit issued by the City, and the cart must display the owner’s details, address, and contact information. None of these regulations were adhered to in this instance.
