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 | More equines need help - We cannot leave them behind. Will you help? |
| | We’ve reached a critical moment in our mission to save the most vulnerable equines—donkeys and horses—who are suffering unimaginable abuse and neglect in South Africa. In our previous appeal, we shared the tragic story of a donkey who had endured a lifetime of hardship before we were forced to say goodbye. But this fight is far from over. Every day, more equines are suffering in silence, and it is up to us—and you—to be their voice, their protectors, and their rescuers. |
| |  | | The Reality of Equine Abuse in South Africa |
| In South Africa, the situation for donkeys is dire. According to the Donkey Sanctuary, an estimated 200,000 donkeys are at risk of exploitation, abuse, and illegal slaughter in the country. Many are forced into hard labor, pulling overloaded carts for long hours in the heat without sufficient food or water. Others are slaughtered for their hides, used in the global trade for products like “ejiao,” a gelatin made from donkey skins, which is in high demand in some countries. This illegal trade is rapidly decimating South Africa’s donkey population, leaving many animals to suffer unspeakable abuse before they are brutally killed.
But abuse does not stop there. Horses like Shine and Angel, who should be valued for their grace and spirit, are often forced into grueling work or racing careers that break their bodies long before their natural lifespans are over. When they are no longer useful, they are often discarded—starved, neglected, or left to die alone. |
| |  | | Mouse’s Fight for Survival |
| Take Mouse, for example, one of seven donkeys we rescued in March 2022. When we found him, he was in a horrifying state, suffering from an excruciating ear infection that was being eaten away by maggots and screw worms. His pain was unimaginable, and he had been abandoned by his herd, either because of his deteriorating health or because they drove him away. He was alone, frightened, and on the brink of death. Our team knew we had to act fast. It took days of relentless effort to capture him—Mouse was wild with fear and pain, running for his life. But finally, we brought him to safety. He received immediate medical care, and after a long and painful recovery, Mouse is now thriving. He has regained his strength and is now part of a playful group of young donkeys, enjoying the freedom and care he always deserved. Without Blindlove’s intervention, Mouse would not be alive today. |
| |  | | The Loss of Shine: A Heartbreaking Goodbye |
| This past week, we faced the tragic loss of Shine, one of our most beloved residents. Shine was an old cart horse who had suffered years of hard labor before retiring to Blindlove, where he spent his final years in peace. His owner, although willing to bring Shine to our outreach clinics, didn’t understand the toll this work had taken on Shine’s aging body. Sadly, on Tuesday afternoon, Shine was bitten by a snake. Initially, we hoped it was a puff adder bite, which would have given him a better chance of recovery. But as time passed, it became clear that he had been bitten by a rinkhals, a ring-necked spitting cobra. Despite our best efforts, and with the incredible care of our vets, Dr. Annie and Dr. Leon de Bryn, Shine’s condition rapidly worsened.
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| | Shine has left an enormous hole in our hearts. The herd said their farewells in their own way, grazing calmly near his grave. We are all grieving the loss of this gentle soul, but we must carry on for the sake of the others still with us. Shine has lived the last five years in peace and comfort under our care. |
|  | | Angel and Blush: Stories of Hope |
| Angel and Blush’s stories highlight the diversity of equines we care for. Angel, a highly bred American Saddle horse, was born with a congenital deformity called wry face and only one eye. This stunning horse was rejected because of her appearance, but here at Blindlove, she has found a loving forever home where she is safe, happy, and thriving. Blush, who is completely blind, was diagnosed with a painful disease called Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU), leading to her complete blindness. Despite her challenges, Blush is now a calm, confident horse who has inspired our mission to raise awareness about the plight of blind horses. |
| |  | | | Vuma, another one of our rescues, had been worked to the bone as a racehorse before he was even four years old. By the time we found him, he was crippled, malnourished, and covered in raw, painful wounds. He had been discarded by his owner and left to die. But thanks to Blindlove’s intervention, Vuma was rescued just before South Africa went into lockdown. After months of rehabilitation, Vuma is now a handsome and healthy horse. While he will never fully recover from the trauma and damage done to his body, he is now living a life free from suffering, all because of the love and care he received through our programs. |
| |  | | Sponsor a Horse: The Cost of Care |
| Each equine at our sanctuary costs us approximately R1200 per month to care for, which covers their food, medical care, and other essentials. In USD, that’s around $63.60, and in GBP, it’s approximately £51.60. Feed bills and veterinary costs are our biggest concern, and without ongoing support, we cannot provide the necessary care for these equines.
We invite you to pick an equine and sponsor it for a week, a month, or even a year. Your contribution will directly support their well-being, and in return, you’ll receive updates about your sponsored equine and the difference you’re making in their life. |
| | How Your Support Will Make a Difference With your donation, you are directly contributing to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of these brave animals. Your support will allow us to continue our outreach in vulnerable communities, offering alternatives to the harsh lives these equines face. You will help us educate owners, provide medical care, and give these animals the chance to live out their days in peace, away from the brutality they have endured. |
| By donating this cause you will be helping
“BlindLove” in South Africa. |
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|  | | Every moment counts, and every dollar makes a difference. Together, we can put an end to the abuse of donkeys and horses in South Africa. Will you stand with us? |
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Phone (US): +1 7733002544
Phone (UK): +44 (0)204 542 4474
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