Grisly discovery: Animal welfare unit uncovers hundreds of donkey and horse carcasses on Northern Cape farm

WARNING: This article contains descriptions of animal cruelty that may upset sensitive readers.

THE HIGHVELD Horse Care Unit has uncovered a gruesome scene on a farm between Jan Kempdorp and Warrenton, where hundreds of donkey and horse carcasses were found scattered across the veld in what appears to have been an extensive and prolonged period of illegal slaughter.

The Highveld Horse Care Unit is a Gauteng-based non-profit equine welfare organisation that investigates horse and donkey abuse, assists law enforcement in cruelty cases, and works to protect equine welfare across Gauteng and neighbouring provinces, including the Northern Cape, North West and Limpopo.

Senior inspector Ashley Ness and unit manager Theresa Hodgkinson were alerted to the situation earlier this week. Upon arrival, they were confronted with a landscape littered with decaying remains, indicating that the killings had been taking place over a long period.

According to the organisation, many of the animals appeared to have been killed in an extremely inhumane manner. Several carcasses showed signs of severe head trauma, with broken skulls consistent with being struck by a blunt object, suspected to be a hammer.

One severely injured horse was still alive when inspectors reached the farm. Due to the extent of its injuries, the unit made the decision to euthanise the animal on site.

Police confirm arrest and ongoing investigation

In response to the incident, the Warrenton SAPS confirmed that detectives are investigating a case of illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm after the arrest of a 53-year-old man on Thursday, December 11. It is alleged that the suspect shot and killed a donkey prior to the arrival of authorities.

Police have not linked the suspect directly to the mass slaughter uncovered on the property, and investigations are ongoing. The man is expected to appear in the Warrenton Magistrate’s Court on Friday, December 12.

Authorities have urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation. Detective Captain Willem Fourie can be contacted on 082 495 4739. Tip-offs can also be reported anonymously via SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app. All information will be treated as confidential.

The disturbing discovery has meanwhile sparked outrage among animal welfare organisations, which say the scale and brutality of the killings highlight an urgent need for stronger monitoring and enforcement in rural areas. 

The Highveld Horse Care Unit has called for justice for the animals and for the full extent of the law to be applied once those responsible are identified.

This is a developing story.

WARNING: Graphic images below may upset sensitive viewers.