Donkey sanctuary launches equine sterilisation programme

Writer & Photographer: Toni Younghusband.

Greyton’s ever increasing horse population poses a significant traffic threat in the small town, and urgent measures are needed to stop this equine explosion, says EARS donkey sanctuary founder Jo Sedgwick.

“We already have between 500 and 600 horses in this area and those numbers will grow as there are many mares pregnant again,” Sedgwick says.

EARS is hoping to launch a mass horse sterilisation programme, provided it can raise the funds. Last year the donor-funded organisation gelded (sterilised) 33 stallions, and this year it would like to sterilise at least as many, if not more. “There are owners who are willing to have their horses sterilised but these are poor people who can’t afford the veterinary fees and so year after year their mares give birth.”

EARS rescues and rehabilitates donkeys and offers community equine support to impoverished horse owners living in Greyton, and neighbouring Genadendal, Voorstekraal and Bereaville.

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