The Highveld Horse Care Unit is calling on the public to help contribute towards its township donkey and horse -projects to ensure their survival this -winter. Horses are mostly used for -recreational puposes in this country. Mostly, because there is a small minority that still -really works for a living. And some are being depended upon for their owners' survival.
In South Africa we should also include -donkeys, and to a lesser extent, mules in this category of "working horses". Depending on their owners' general attitude, and also their material means, these working animals may or may not have a good life. So, when we received this call for help from the Highveld Horse Care Unit (HHCU) to support their donkey project, it struck a cord.
"For as little as R50 the general public and corporate South Africa could ensure the -survival of a working donkey or horse through another winter, and in turn ensure the continued existence of those people who rely on these tough little equines for firewood and a meagre income," says their press statement.
"These donkeys are the lifeblood of many South Africans as they are used by their owners to carry coal and firewood to the homes of some of the most poverty stricken people," says Bev Seabourne, manager at the HHCU.
"While many of these owners love their little helpers, they themselves are facing the breadline and the animals are left to forage for food on scrap heaps and what little grass is available to them, the result of which is that they rapidly lose condition in winter and without proper tack and bits, many of them suffer from fatal and painful wounds."
Thanks to the generosity of Ciplavet, the HHCU is able to buy bulk doses of deworming medication at a reduced cost of R50, and through P Bloch & Co, HHCU obtains new bits at a discounted price of R50. But with little funding left to support this cause, the HHCU is making a plea to corporate South Africa and the general public for any contributions to help it to reach its requirements of 500 bits and 2 000 doses of deworming.
The HHCU donkey project focuses on deworming township equines to ensure that they maintain enough bodyweight through -winter, while also providing bits and second-hand tack. It also strives to educate owners on how to care for their equine helpers and to ensure that they are able to continue to look after their own animals – avoiding confiscation through education.
So, dear readers, how about us all pitching in?
If you want to contribute, contact
Bev Seabourne on +27 (16) 360 9900,
e-mail her at info@horsecare.org.za or visit their website at www.horsecare.org.za.
