SPCA steps in to end suffering of badly injured foal in Mpophomeni

A heartbreaking scene unfolded in Mpophomeni, Howick, last Friday when an injured foal, suffering in plain sight among a small herd of horses, had to be humanely euthanised after sustaining a severe leg injury. According to uMngeni SPCA spokesperson Kevin Khumalo, the organisation was alerted to the injured animal by a concerned resident who had noticed the foal in distress. Inspector Luyanda Renge and the SPCA team responded swiftly and located the animal among a small herd of grazing horses.

Khumalo said the injury was severe and beyond treatment. The leg was broken in two places, an injury that cannot be easily treated. The rescue was further complicated by a fiercely protective mother, who repeatedly blocked access to her injured foal.

“It took several hours of careful work to separate the youngster without causing further stress,” he said. Khumalo said that once the foal was examined, it became clear that the most humane option was to end its suffering. “The most humane recourse was to shield the mother horse and to humanely euthanise the foal immediately,” he said.

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Khumalo confirmed that the organisation is still trying to locate the owner of the animal. “Once the owner is located, depending on the circumstances, we will explore prosecution,” he said. He also thanked community members who gathered at the scene and showed concern for the animal.Mpophomeni has a noticeable number of horses often seen grazing along roadsides or roaming near the R617.

In November last year, the uMngeni SPCA raised concerns about horse owners in the area after alleging that an illegal horse race had taken place. According to Khumalo, the race was held without veterinary supervision, proper track markings or basic safety measures. He said inspections at the time revealed conditions that suggested “deeply concerning neglect” of basic animal welfare and possible contraventions of the Animals Protection Act.

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