#CaxtonCares – An animal wellness day animal lovers should not miss
Two women decided to take a stand against animal cruelty by educating the masses and also raising some funds too!
A shocking case of severe animal abuse was that of horses belonging to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which had to be put down due to severe neglect.
The National Council of SPCAs lambasted the SANDF over the mistreatment and neglect of the horses. Their argument? “A lack of adequate staff.”
Animal cruelty has made for some big headlines this year – not just in the local news, but nationally as well.Reports of severe animal neglect, abuse, illness and illegal dog fights and breeding are seen all over social media and most of the time the culprits behind these acts claim that they did not know how to properly take care of their animals. Unfortunately this is the excuse of many animal abuse culprits.
With all this bad news about the neglect of horses, Yolanda Steyn of Oppistal, a fully fledged equine recreational and rehab centre, extending into human psychology interventions, including a traditional Western riding school that supports the well-being of humans and horses, decided to do something.
Yolanda, together with Vicki Sokolich, wrote and published a book, Introduction to horse ownership in South Africa, and decided to launch it at Oppistal’s second Horse and Hound Wellness Day.
The News decided to get involved through its #CaxtonCares platform to help highlight the need for proper animal care, specifically for horses and hounds (dogs), in the community, and horse and hound lovers are invited to attend this free wellness day which will take place at the AFM Church in Noordheuwel.
This wellness day will be like no other! Take note of the following:
• When: 29 June
• What time: 10am unitl 3pm
• Where: AFM Church Noordheuwel
• What’s on offer: An array of speakers, including a veterinarian who will answer your pet health questions.
• What else can I expect: There will be animal goodie stalls, artisanal foods, equine complementary care therapy demonstrations such as dentistry, physiotherapy and acupuncture, as well as a herbs and natural remedies demonstration for your horse or dog.
• What’s the main attraction: Apart from the beautiful therapy horses which will be on display that day, Yolanda and Vicki will launch their book and give a talk where spot prizes will be up for grabs.
• How can I show I care? You need to support the stalls, buy Yolanda and Vicki’s book and get your hands on as many raffle tickets as you can! Three local animal shelters, The 9th Day Animal Shelter, Friends of Rescued Animals (Fora) and Highveld Horse Care Unit will receive much-needed funds, acquired by the selling of raffle tickets as well as funds raised from the selling of stall space. But that’s not all! Half of the proceeds of Yolanda and Vicki’s book sale will be donated towards the animal shelters too.
• Can I book still book some stall space? Yes! More stall space is available for R200. To book your space or for more information about the wellness day, contact either Ilse on 084 584 2473, email icaon@fnb.co.za, or Yolanda on 082 829 9003, email yolanda@healinghorses.co.za.
