Blind Love Soldier on Despite Deadly Disease Outbreak

During April, our South African partner organisation, Blind Love, treated 21 donkeys and 186 horses at their outreach days. Sadly, they are still dealing with African horse sickness (AHS), which has led to the state vet banning any movement of horses in an attempt to curb the spread. Thankfully, none of the cart horses living in Thaba’nchu town have been affected by AHS so far.

DONKEY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Blind Love’s donkey outreach day was held on the 26th of April. Many people were celebrating Human Rights Day, so attendance was a little lower than usual. However, 21 donkeys were still provided with essential veterinary care.

All donkeys were given health checks and treated for parasites. Their legs were cleaned and sprayed for flies.

The donkeys’ harnesses were checked and replaced where needed. The team distributed twelve humane harnesses.

Sadly, a donkey was seen who had been stabbed on his back, but the wound was clean and already healing nicely. The owner was given an antibiotic wound spray.

There were many children who attended the outreach day, all eager to assist and learn! This is positive as it will help to develop caring attitudes towards working donkeys.

The SPCA contacted Blind Love again in April to ask for six more humane harnesses to distribute. This works well because they are distributing equipment to owners who don’t attend the outreach days.

You may remember the tragic case we reported on recently regarding the little donkey who was cruelly burnt and did not survive. Unfortunately, there is still no concrete evidence as to who the guilty person/people are, but Blind Love are working with the SPCA to try and seek justice for this poor foal.

WORKING HORSES OUTREACH ACTIVITIES 

Blind Love held no less than nine outreach days for working horses in the Thaba’Nchu area throughout April.

They treated an incredible 186 horses for various ailments and parasites. Harnesses were checked and replaced wherever needed. Once again, the team saw many saddle sores from horses being ridden bareback after working hours or over weekends.

Blind Love have decided to try and hold more outreach days and undertake more home visits due to the current threat of AHS. This will allow them to educate owners and distribute supportive treatments for horses. Tragically, the numbers of deaths during April just kept climbing, with horses showing symptoms literally dropping dead just hours later. Blind Love are incredibly grateful that, so far, no horses in their area of Thaba’nchu have been affected.

In addition to this work, Blind Love’s vet also attended to two mares recently whose foals died in utero for unknown reasons.

April has been another exhausting and emotional month for Blind Love, with plenty of heartache and loss. However, they remain committed to making a difference to the welfare of working animals in their region.

The Blind Love team send their heartfelt thanks to AAA’s supporters for allowing them to run their programs assisting working donkeys and horses. Each and every day, you are helping to improve the lives of these hard-working animals. Thank you!