THE HIGHVELD HORSE Care Unit (HHCU) is calling on corporate South Africa and the broader public to help contribute towards its township donkey and horse projects to ensure their survival this winter.
p>THE HIGHVELD HORSE Care Unit (HHCU) is calling on corporate South Africa and the broader public to help contribute towards its township donkey and horse projects to ensure their survival this winter.
For as little as R50 donors 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 animals for firewood and a meagre income. “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.
“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 many of them suffer from fatal and painful wounds.” Thanks to the generosity of CIPLAVET, HHCU is able to buy bulk doses of deworming 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 the HHCU is making a plea for contributions to help it to reach its requirements of 500 bits and 2,000 deworming doses. The HHCU donkey project focuses on deworming township equines to ensure 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 ensure that they are able to continue to look after their own animals – avoiding confiscation through education. With winter approaching and the recession in full swing the project is in desperate need of funds.
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