On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Hillcrest Height, Forest Village, a heartwrenching scene unfolded as a heavily pregnant carthorse collapsed on a busy street. The mare had been laboring tirelessly, pulling a cart for her owner, when she could no longer bear the weight of her unborn foal. In an unexpected turn of events, she gave birth on the side of the road, garnering the attention and concern of passersby.
Concerned Citizens Alert Cape of Good Hope SPCA
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA quickly received multiple calls from the alarmed citizens. Spokesperson Jaco Pieterse recounted their swift response, stating that the inspectors arrived at the scene within minutes of hearing the distressing news. Upon reaching the location, they discovered the exhausted mare and her newborn foal.
Owner Faces Criminal Charges for Unlawful Treatment of Pregnant Horse
In a futile attempt to escape justice, the owner tried to conceal the cart, hoping to avoid any suspicion of the mare’s work. However, the SPCA inspectors were not fooled, and the owner’s underhanded tactics were exposed. The Animals Protection Act of 1962 and the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-Law both clearly stipulate that it is unlawful to force an unfit animal to work, including pregnant ones. The owner now faces criminal charges for their callous actions.
Mare and Foal Recovering Well Under SPCA’s Care
The mare and her foal were promptly seized by the SPCA and taken to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Horse Care Unit, where they were christened Stella and Rose. Pieterse explained the poignant symbolism behind the choice of names, stating, “Rose signifies the beauty and unexpected miracle that bloomed next to the road, much like how a rose might unexpectedly blossom in an unexpected place.”
Under the SPCA’s watchful care, Stella and her filly are recovering well. They are committed to monitoring the horses and ensuring the owner is held accountable to the full extent of the law.
Call to Action for Animal Welfare
As the story of Stella and Rose has captured the hearts of many, it serves as a powerful reminder of the role citizens play in safeguarding the welfare of animals. The SPCA urges the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of animal abuse. It is crucial that we all do our part in protecting these vulnerable creatures, who cannot speak up for themselves. The unexpected miracle of Rose’s birth, amidst such a distressing situation, was not only a symbol of hope but also a call to action for all of us to remain watchful and proactive in fighting against animal cruelty.
