Injured horse forced to pull 900kg carriage: Owner faces animal cruelty charges

The owner of an injured horse is facing charges of animal cruelty after the animal was forced to pull a cart loaded with a scrap car weighing nearly 900kg, and three grown men.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said they lodged criminal charges of animal cruelty against the owner of the horse and his two accomplices, as investigations revealed that her owner rented her out despite her injuries.

"The horse, that has been named Willamina, has open wounds on her back but is now in the safe care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

“This could well have been the day that Willamina (the horse) dropped dead, the final blow to an innocent life subjected to deprivation and exploitation.

"It’s no wonder that her small frame battled and buckled as the impatient ‘driver’ pushed her, not caring about her backbreaking task or the open wounds on her trembling body.

"Thankfully, SPCA inspector Julian van der Zandt spotted Willamina and her horrendous load and immediately pulled them over. 

"Shaking and distressed, the bay mare was unhooked and taken to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Horse Care Unit for emergency care.”

The owner and his two accomplices are facing charges of animal cruelty prosecuted under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.

Convicted offenders can receive fines of up to R40 000, 1  months imprisonment, a ban on animal ownership and a criminal record.

Cape Argus