South African Team Remains Dedicated to Animal Welfare Despite Challenges
Animal Aid Abroad (AAA), together with our partner Blind Love, continues to provide lifesaving care for working horses and donkeys in South Africa, despite facing challenges such as African Horse Sickness (AHS) outbreaks, rising feed costs, and increasing veterinary demands. In April, Blind Love reached 74 horses and 56 donkeys, delivering essential treatments and strengthening community education.
Working Horses Outreach Program – Free State
Across eight outreach days in Thaba ’Nchu, Botshabelo, Cart Horse Rank, and surrounding rural villages, 74 horses received:
Parasite control and deworming
Wound treatment and saddle sore care
Harness checks and adjustments
Treatment for injuries caused by poorly fitting harnesses and bareback riding
African Horse Sickness Concerns
Heavy late‑summer rains increased the risk of African Horse Sickness (AHS), with several suspected cases reported. Blind Love responded by:
Distributing SupaBoost to strengthen immune systems
Providing Maxicyp spray to protect horses from biting midges
Educating owners on reducing exposure during peak midge activity
Encouragingly, Blind Love has secured funding for a future vaccination program to protect approximately 500 horses later this year.
Additional Welfare Concerns
A beloved community cart horse, Baba, suffered a broken leg and was humanely euthanized.
Feed shortages remain a pressing issue, with Blind Love working to secure donations for struggling owners.
Plans are underway to improve shelter infrastructure at the Donkey Care Station ahead of winter.
Working Donkey Outreach Program – Eastern Cape
In Makhanda (Grahamstown), 56 donkeys received:
General health assessments
Parasite treatment
Hoof care and trimming
Harness distribution to replace unsafe equipment
The Donkey Care Station is becoming a vital welfare resource, treating multiple intensive cases and providing rehabilitation. However, rising feed and veterinary costs are placing strain on resources, prompting urgent fundraising efforts.
Global Impact Made Possible by You
Despite challenges, Blind Love continues to deliver primary healthcare, outreach, emergency veterinary care, and community education. Together, AAA and Blind Love are turning burden into care and proving that local partnerships are the key to global change — ensuring working horses and donkeys in South Africa receive dignity, safety, and compassion.