Underfed, scarred horses removed in Ruimsig
Engelbrecht and Oosthuizen confiscate five horses in Ruimsig "that have never seen a vet".
Underfed, thoroughbred horses were confiscated from a plot in Ruimsig by the Roodepoort SPCA on Friday 29 November.
Five of nine horses were confiscated after senior inspectors Kay Engelbrecht and Emma Oosthuizen obtained a warrant from the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 28 November. Engelbrecht told the Record about the investigation and eventual confiscation.
“We received the initial complaint on 19 September about the horses suffering and then started our investigation,” she explained.
According to Engelbrecht, they found that the owner had nine thoroughbred horses on his property and though he had approached a vet in Muldersdrift, he had failed to present the horses’ passports (details about their microchip numbers, vaccination certificates and colours).
He allegedly told the vet that he would fetch the passports from the Jockey Club, of which he had been an active member and registered breeder for the last time in 2006. Consequently the horses on his property have never been inspected by a vet, equine dentist or farrier. Engelbrecht and Oosthuizen left the owner with a warning.
On Tuesday 26 November they returned for a follow-up inspection, “but we were refused entry by the owner, which aroused suspicion regarding the condition of the horses,” Engelbrecht stated. The inspectors returned on Wednesday 27 November to photograph the horses from a neighbouring property.
“We were appalled – all the horses were underweight, some severely.
“The hooves were overgrown and they all had scars from fighting.”
The scars could either be caused by the stallions fighting over mares or the horses fighting over food, Engelbrecht later said.
“Unfortunately, we were to leave four of the nine horses with the owner because they’re still in an acceptable condition.
“We issued yet another warning, and if this warning is not heeded to the remaining horses also will be removed.”
Charges are to be laid against the owner in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, and Engelbrecht seems hopeful.
“The horses are being cared for by the Roodepoort SPCA and we are appealing for monetary or food donations to feed the horses and give them professional care.”
The Roodepoort SPCA can be contacted on 011 672 0448.
