An inspector at the Bloemfontein SPCA, Tebogo Maswanganye, told OFM News this follows after 68 horses were found to be in an appalling state of wellbeing due to animal cruelty.

The horses were kept on a plot just outside Hobhouse in the Free State and were immediately confiscated by the Bloemfontein SPCA. Maswanganye said during investigations on June 21 they discovered six dead horses, with three others who had symptoms which included heavy breathing and severe malnourishment. The horses were in horrible pain due to dehydration and their extremely poor living conditions.

Maswanganye said their investigations show the animals belong to the Lesotho Government's army. There was allegedly only one commander who was on duty and was responsible for the animals on the farm, but no veterinarian treatment was given to the ill horses.

Due to the severe ill health of the horses, many were promptly put down by the SPCA. Maswanganye says this is absolutely cruel and shocking, and a complaint of animal cruelty was laid against all parties involved. He is, however, waiting on the exact court date. The horses that were confiscated are currently in the care of the Bloemfontein SPCA.

OFM News/Blaine Jones