Fires leave Happy Hooves in tight spot
The registered non-profit company, Happy Hooves, which strives to create a shelter and safety for equines within the greater Knysna area, is in dire need of assistance.
Unlike other charity organisations in the area, Happy Hooves does not receive funding from the local, provincial or national government and relies solely on donations and the goodwill from the public.
Founders
This much-needed organisation was founded by Neville and Annerie Graham as a privately funded horse sanctuary in 2009. Working hand-in-hand with other animal welfare societies and in accordance with the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, Happy Hooves quickly became synonymous with the "last hope" for many abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted equines.
During 2014, this charitable couple registered Happy Hooves as a formal NPC, operating in the Hartbeespoort area.
When the property they leased to keep the rescued equines on was sold, they returned to their hometown of Knysna where they, together with a small management committee, continue to serve helpless local horses, ponies and donkeys across the Knysna area under the banner of Garden Route Horse Welfare.
The NPC accepts horses with physical and emotional issues as well as horses that are no longer able to perform to expectations, in the case of a breeder, for instance. A perfect example is possibly the case against Arabian breeder Kobus Lombard.
Taking on breeders
When horses roaming an uninhabited property were reported to the Grahams in October 2014, they rushed to the aid of the equines that belonged to famed Marok Arabians Stud farmer Lombard.
The 14 horses were removed and Lombard was charged in terms of the Animal Protection Act.
Last year, Lombard was found guilty on all charges and finally sentenced on Monday 12 June - five days after the fires. Lombard was sentenced to pay a fine of R6 000 or serve six months' imprisonment, suspended for five years.
Because the Grahams were literally putting out fires in Knysna at the time of sentencing, the court dismissed all claims for costs by Happy Hooves.
These costs pertained to the medical treatment and rehabilitation of the removed horses. "These are costs that would normally be awarded to a welfare organisation in accordance with section 4(1) of the Animal Protection Act," explains Annerie. Besides being left with a tremendous deficit in funding due to the day-to-day challenges they face, the fires highlighted the need for the Garden Route Horse Welfare in a terrifying manner.
Fighting fires
Despite not having a dedicated vehicle readily available, the Grahams, assisted by a small team of volunteers, immediately jumped in and assisted with the evacuation of animals facing the fast-approaching flames of the June fires.
"With practically all grazing destroyed within Greater Knysna, and considering the fact the natural recovery of the land will take quite some time, GRHW, as the only registered animal welfare organisation in Knysna that deals with livestock (horses, cattle and sheep) has had the added responsibility to assist these animals and their owners in need."
They assisted fire victims with feed, erecting fences, shelters and medical care.
Because of the extent of their involvement in fire relief, they did not have time to make any public appeal for help while in the thick of saving lives, and GRHW did not enjoy the benefits of the international fundraising that many other fire victims received. "By the time we could catch our breath we realised that GRHW was facing an enormous deficit amounting to thousands of rands, and the opportunity to ask for funds had long since gone."
Assistance required
Despite the huge deficit in funding, GRHW continues to monitor the wellbeing of equines in Greater Knysna while caring for 16 sheltered animals, including Genevieve, a 38- year-old donkey.
"We have assisted many horses and ponies in finding homes with people who love them, are willing to do what is necessary to provide appropriate care for their wellbeing, and give them a second chance at being useful riding horses or pasture companions. We cannot underestimate the importance of making a horse feel that they have a purpose in life," Annerie explained.
To follow the work of this dedicated animal care team visit their facebook page, Happy Hooves NPC.
It accepts horses with physical and emotional issues as well as horses that are no longer able to perform to expectations.
You can help
"We would be ever grateful if people would consider making a monthly donation that will help with caring for all equines and livestock in the area.
Every cent will make a difference," concluded Annerie.
Deposits could be made to Happy Hooves NPC; First National Bank; branch code 250655; account number 625 074 688 00; reference – donation / name of donor.