Animal welfare inspectors rescue severely neglected pony in Philippi
A severely malnourished pony with a festering facial abscess was confiscated by Animal Welfare Society of South Africa inspectors in Philippi after it was found being ridden despite its critical condition.
Image: Animal Welfare Society of SA
A severely malnourished pony found being ridden in Philippi has been confiscated by inspectors from the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS SA), with the animal’s owner later surrendering it into the organisation’s care.
According to AWS SA, inspectors encountered a young male riding the pony near Spar’s warehouse in Philippi on Sunday, February 22, at about 1pm.
The pony was described as being in a critical condition, showing clear signs of severe neglect.
“The pony showed alarming signs of neglect, including extreme weight loss, visibly protruding hip bones and a massive festering abscess on his left cheek, clear indicators of his critical condition,” the organisation said.
AWS SA said the rider was seen whipping the pony in an attempt to force it forward, despite the animal appearing exhausted and unable to continue.
“Disturbingly, the rider was seen viciously whipping the pony to force him forward, despite the pony’s obvious exhaustion and inability to continue,” the organisation said.
Inspectors intervened immediately and instructed the rider to dismount. After examining the pony, they determined that confiscation was necessary to protect the animal’s welfare.
“Recognising the urgency of the situation, our team immediately intervened and instructed the rider to dismount,” AWS SA said.
While escorting the pony back to the organisation’s hospital, inspectors were followed by the rider and another individual, creating what the organisation described as a potentially volatile situation.
“While escorting the pony back to our headquarters, our inspectors were followed by the rider and another individual, creating a potentially volatile situation,” AWS SA said.
The inspectors returned safely to the facility, where the pony received urgent veterinary treatment.
AWS SA later met with the pony’s owner, who later formally surrendered the animal into the organisation’s care.
“This decision ensures that the pony will never have to endure such suffering again,” the organisation said.
Animal welfare groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of working horses and ponies in Cape Town. In previous cases reported by the Cape Argus, inspectors have seized animals forced to pull loads far exceeding safe limits, with some ponies made to haul more than three times their body weight.
Under South Africa’s Animals Protection Act, it is an offence to overload, overwork or cause unnecessary suffering to an animal. Animal welfare organisations say many working equines in urban areas remain vulnerable to neglect, injuries and inadequate veterinary care.