Sixty horses and nine donkeys at the Have a Heart Equine Sanctuary in McGregor, South Africa, are in dire peril for the second time in a year.
Our long-term partner has been a place of refuge for nearly nine years – a last chance for horses and donkeys who survived horrific abuse, neglect, illegal bush racing and exploitation linked to the drug trade.
Now, for the second time in 12 months, the devoted team and horses, donkeys and 30 other animals are forced to leave their sanctuary, after authorities forced them to move because of the presence of rare plants on their land.
The authorities are unyielding, the animals have to go and we are scrambling
to cover transport costs for the journey to their new home. Your contribution can help make this happen.
We are trying to raise funds to move 60 horses, nine donkeys and 30 other animals to a new place of safety after being forced off their land. Credit: NFA/Dan Snyders
A sanctuary forced to leave
The sanctuary’s current land has been declared environmentally protected due to the presence of rare plant species. As a result, grazing is no longer permitted. With no access to pasture, the situation has become unsustainable and dangerous for the animals.
Among the 60 horses are several blind and special-needs rescues who cannot survive prolonged stress or instability. There are also nine gentle donkeys and other rescued farm animals who depend entirely on the sanctuary for their safety.
A new home full of promise
There is hope. Our partner has secured a property just outside Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape – a place that will finally be their forever home.
The new sanctuary offers everything the animals desperately need – open grazing, reliable water from boreholes and a dam surrounded by lush pasture. It also offers future sustainability through rental income, a second-hand tack shop, livery and spelling. All of this will help fund ongoing care.
Credit: NFA/Dan Snyders
A mother and foal are depending on us for food and water.
Transporting the animals to their forever home will cost around $15,400 (£11,500).
The horses, donkeys and other farm animals will be moved over a 10-hour journey using five large professional horse floats. Additional trucks are needed to transport horse equipment, feed and household goods.
This is a mammoth undertaking – physically, emotionally and financially.
The new sanctuary offers everything the animals desperately need – open grazing, reliable water from boreholes and a dam surrounded by lush pasture. Credit: NFA/Dan Snyders
Be the reason they arrive safely
Our team is doing its best to help, but we cannot do it without you.
Your donation pays for a place on a horse float. It ensures a frightened donkey arrives safely. It helps blind and elderly horses step into a secure future.
Our partner exists because people like you choose compassion when it matters most. Your kindness can carry these animals through the most critical journey of their lives.
Please give what you can today to help these horses and donkeys safely move to their forever home.
