The Lower South Coast SPCA under warrant, removed seven donkeys from the Nodalane area following a lengthy investigation, numerous warnings, ongoing education, and repeated attempts to work with the owner to improve the Donkeys welfare.
This was not a case where enforcement action was taken lightly. Our Inspectorate spent considerable time engaging with the owner, explaining the legal requirements and welfare needs of working donkeys. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, suffering continued.
The seven donkeys were being used to pull an extremely heavy cart. Even without a load, the cart itself was excessively heavy. The donkeys were then required to pull additional loads of sand, wood, and other materials for long hours, often working from 06h30 in the morning until as late as 18h00 in the evening.
During our Investigation, our Inspectors found:
· Donkeys in poor body condition, malnourished and underweight, and two with severe ear infections.
· Injuries and wounds around the pasterns caused by tethering and hobbling.
· Thick wire being used as bits, causing pain and discomfort.
· Incorrect and poorly fitted harnesses that caused injuries and wounds to the legs, shoulders and backs.
· Evidence that an electrical cable was being used as a whip to force the donkeys to pull heavy loads.
· Donkeys subjected to excessive workloads while suffering from injuries and poor physical health.
· Donkeys being overworked without sufficient rest periods.
The conditions observed by the Lower South Coast SPCA Inspectorate constitutes alleged contraventions of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, including provisions relating to overloading, overworking, beating animals, failing to provide appropriate care and using equipment likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering.
Working donkeys have served humanity faithfully for thousands of years. They have transported goods, assisted with farming, carried water, and helped communities survive in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Despite their reputation for being ‘’stubborn’’, donkeys are intelligent, sensitive, hardworking animals with excellent memories and strong social bonds.
A donkey is not a machine
A donkey is not a vehicle
A donkey is not a piece of equipment
A donkey is a living, feeling animal capable of experiencing pain, fear, exhaustion and suffering.
The Lower South Coast SPCA recognises that many communities depend on working animals. Our goal is always education and compliance before enforcement.
However, when animals continue to suffer despite repeated intervention, we have a legal and moral obligation to act.
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