offering care, compassion & dignity for south africa’s working animals

Last month, Blind Love in South Africa provided 76 horses and 18 donkeys with essential veterinary care during their outreach days. At their community Donkey and Horse Care Stations, they attended to many animals who required intensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Thanks to your heartfelt support, Blind Love are transforming suffering into compassion and dignity for working animals in South Africa.

WORKING HORSE PROGRAM

Areas covered: Free State Province including Thaba ‘Nchu, Botshabelo, Cart Horse Rank and surrounding rural villages.

Outreach Dates & Activities 

Outreach days were conducted on:

• 3 June – Thaba ‘Nchu - Horse Rank

• 5 June – Thaba ‘Nchu - Care Station

• 6 June – Thaba ‘Nchu - Horse Rank

• 12 June – Thaba ‘Nchu - Care Station

• 14 June – Rural villages - Paradys & Sediba

• 16 June – Thaba ‘Nchu - Care Station

• 24 June – Thaba Nchu - Horse Rank

A total of 64 horses received treatment through the outreach programme during June, while a further 12 horses attended the Horse Care Station for treatment.

Across all outreach clinics and at the Horse Care Station, horses received:

• General health assessments,

• Internal and external parasite control,

• Cleaning and treatment of minor wounds,

• Hoof inspections and farrier care where required,

• Harness assessments and replacement where necessary.

Farrier activities continued throughout June at the Horse Care Station.

Donated tack was distributed to owners attending outreach clinics, while winter horse blankets were handed out to horses in the rural villages of Paradys and Sediba.

Encouragingly, owners also travelled from the neighbouring villages of Merino and Moraga to attend the rural outreach day with their horses.

Harnesses continued to be distributed to working cart horses operating from the Thaba ‘Nchu Horse Rank. 

Saddle Sore Concerns

One of the most common welfare issues encountered during June was severe saddle sores.

Many owners again reported that their horses are frequently stolen over weekends, ridden for long distances and then returned with extensive rubbing injuries and poorly-fitting tack.

These recurring injuries continue to present a significant welfare challenge for the programme, requiring ongoing treatment, owner education and replacement of damaged or unsuitable equipment. 

Sarcoid Investigation

On 1 June, we were contacted by a horse owner requesting assistance for five horses suffering from severe sarcoids. Several horses are affected by extensive tumours, including one horse with significant growths on the face and neck.

The cases were immediately referred to the State Veterinarian, who will visit along with veterinary students to assess the affected horses and determine an appropriate treatment plan. 

African Horse Sickness

With the onset of colder winter weather, no new suspected cases of African Horse Sickness were reported during June, providing welcome relief following the significant losses experienced earlier in the year. 

WORKING DONKEY PROGRAM

Areas covered: Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape.

Our donkey outreach day was held on 25 June. A total of 18 donkeys attended the outreach clinic, in addition to the numerous patients receiving daily care and rehabilitation at the Donkey Care Station. 

All donkeys received:

• General health assessments,

• Internal and external parasite treatment,

• Hoof care,

• Cleaning and treatment of wounds,

• Harness assessments and adjustments where required.

Donkey Care Station & Intensive Veterinary Cases

June remained another exceptionally busy month for the Donkey Care Station, with multiple long-term patients requiring daily nursing care. Several new emergency cases were also admitted. 

Ongoing Care

Throughout June, Michael Plaatjie continued providing daily nursing care to all patients at the Care Station. This included wound care, such as regular bandage changes to ensure healing.

Feed deliveries continued to support the growing number of animals receiving long-term care and rehabilitation. 

Infrastructure Improvements

Severe flooding struck Makhanda on 4 June, with more than 180 mm of rain falling within twenty-four hours.

The weight of the water caused one of the main roof beams supporting the Care Station shade structure to collapse. Fortunately, no animals or people were injured.

Following the collapse, the damaged roof structure was completely rebuilt. New corrugated iron roofing was installed on a far stronger framework, providing a permanent weatherproof shelter for recovering patients.

Construction also commenced for the new brick walls beneath the roofed treatment area, while a new water tank was also delivered.

Installation of gutters and taps will complete this important infrastructure upgrade. 

Overall Summary

Working Horse Program

• 64 horses treated through outreach activities.

• 12 horses received ongoing treatment at the Horse Care Station.

• Routine parasite control, wound care and farrier services continued.

• Harnesses, donated tack and winter blankets distributed.

• Rural outreach attracted owners from several surrounding villages.

• Five horses with severe sarcoids were referred for state veterinary assessment.

• No new African Horse Sickness cases reported during June.

Working Donkey Program

• 18 donkeys treated during the monthly outreach clinic.

• Intensive daily nursing continued for multiple Care Station patients.

• One donkey, Africa, was permanently re-homed with Care Station attendant, Michael Plaatjie.

• Care Station roof rebuilt and major infrastructure improvements commenced following severe flooding.

• Daily nursing and veterinary care continued thanks to the dedication of Michael Plaatjie, Dr Annie Mears and Roxanne Losey.

• Orphan donkey foal was rescued after his mother was killed by a car.

Acknowledgement

Blind Love would like to sincerely thank Animal Aid Abroad and your supporters for your continued funding of both our Working Horse and Working Donkey Programmes.

Your generous donations enable us to continue providing regular outreach clinics and ongoing support for some of the most vulnerable working equines in our communities.