Donkeys in need

BURGERSFORT – The donkey is actually a very sacred animal, not only is it a hard worker, but it is also the animal mentioned in the Bible that Jesus chose to take Him to Jerusalem.

In Upington in Northern Cape a statue of a working donkey was erected in memory and honour of all donkeys.

These animals are seen next to rural roads in the Tubatse area, mostly along the R37, and are still used as cart animals to travel long distances and transport vital supplies for their owners.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has launched the Donkey Upliftment Project which aims to provide advice, education and support to donkey owners and users across the country.

Donkeys provide vital services to communities and need to be cared for. They are protected (like all animals) under the Animals Protection Act No

71 of 1962.

Inspector Matome Semenya, from NSPCA, advises owners to ensure that donkeys are given water in the morning and evening to help digest their food but also to prevent dehydration.

During droughts working donkeys should be given supplementary feed or at least have extra time to graze because they have to walk further to find food when grazing is scarce.

Owners should also avoid working donkeys in the heat of the day, overloading the carts or making the donkeys run, because this also contributes to dehydration and weakness.

Donkeys can only work well if they are cared for well.

“Be a caring and responsible owner,” said Semenya.