Shirley

I was orphaned when I was only three months old and I suffered from developmental problems because of a lack of mother's milk. In the SPCA stables they take care of me and I even have an adopted mother - Cheetah - who watches out for me and never leaves me for even a moment

The filly, Shirley, was born on a farm where conditions for rearing her were inappropriate. Her mother was in depleted physical condition, which prevented her from nursing Shirley and caused developmental problems. She reached the SPCA stables when she was three months old, suffering from undernourishment, a weakened pelvic area and hind legs and had a limp. Due to the lack of mother’s milk, she was underweight so was given nutritional supplements and a milk substitute suited to foals.

During the last few months Shirley has gained strength and is slowly gaining weight. She underwent professional hoof-trimming and dental filing, and in order to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic area and her legs, the stables staff worked with her consistently, taking her for slow, gentle walks on a rope lead. From her first day in the SPCA stables, Shirley was adopted by Cheetah, a mature, eighteen year old mare.

Update: 2.5 years after Shirley started her rehabilitation process, we found for her a farm, and now she enjoys quiet life with other horses.

Cheetah

For long years, I slaved away pulling wagons while my health was neglected. Luckily for me, I reached the SPCA stables, where I am undergoing rehabilitation and getting professional, medical care. In the stables I adopted Shirley, a young orphaned filly

For many years Cheetah, a mature, eighteen year old mare, worked as a slave, pulling heavy wagons and suffering abuse while her medical problems were neglected. She arrived at the SPCA stables with severe wounds and in extremely low physical condition. During her rehabilitation Cheetah was given disinfecting washes, fed nourishing food, had her hoofs trimmed and her teeth filed. Gradually she gained weight under a controlled regimen.

One month after Cheetah came here to us, a young filly, named Shirley, joined the stables. Amazing Cheetah adopted her and doesn’t leave her for a moment.

Cheetah enjoys a cool, refreshing shower

Cheetah and her adopted daughter, Shirley

Update: In the end of the rehabilitation process Cheetah was adopted by owners of a private horse farm.

Wishing them Well

A horse and two donkeys that were rehabilitated in the SPCA stables have found adoptive homes

Joy mingled with sadness as the SPCA team parted from the horse, Barak, and two donkeys that had undergone a long rehabilitation process in the SPCA stables and left for their new homes.

For many months we searched for an appropriate home for Barak, a seven year old horse, who had been abused before reaching the SPCA. After his recovery, he was castrated and vaccinated, underwent hoof trimming and shoeing and became a handsome and well-groomed horse. Following posting of his story on our Facebook page, the SPCA team made contact with the many places that offered to adopt him, in the hope of finding owners who understand how to raise horses and could provide all his needs. Finally, Barak was adopted by someone who had already adopted a mare from us in the past, and Barak joined her and other horses, donkeys and camels being raised on a well-run ranch.

The rehabilitation process of two especially adorable donkeys also came to a happy end, with their move to a ranch in the south of the country. The two donkeys, aged five and seven, were castrated, treated for worms and given all the necessary vaccinations, including rabies and Nile Fever, before joining other donkeys being raised by people who adopted them.

Leaving the SPCA and setting out on a new path

The adoptions of the horse and donkeys were carried out according to the longstanding SPCA adoption policy: In order to prevent them being given to a third party, thus increasing the chance of them returning to the circle of suffering, their new owners signed a document according to which they undertake to return the animals to the SPCA if, for any reason, they are unable to care for them.

To read more stories about other horses and donkeys presently under rehabilitation in the SPCA, Click Here.

The Foundling

An orphaned filly and an older mare were rescued from the cycle of suffering

Raising animals requires dedicated care, attention and a lot of love, without which the results can be calamitous. Shirley, a six-month old filly, experienced this personally together with her mother, when their owners did not provide them with appropriate care. The mother, 16 years old, was in an extremely depleted physical state, as a result of which she couldn’t nurse her filly, causing problems in her development.

The mother died three months ago, and Shirley the orphan, who was then a young, three-month-old filly, reached the Horses Home in the SPCA, where horses and donkeys are rehabilitated after suffering neglect and abuse. She was underweight and weak in the pelvis area and hind legs, and, due to a lack of mother’s milk, she needed to gain weight and was started on nutritional supplements and milk substitutes adapted for foals.

Over the past few months, Shirley has slowly gained weight and strength. She underwent two professional hoof-trimming treatments, and in order to strengthen and rehabilitate her pelvic area and legs, the stable staff is working with her continually, leading her by rope for gentle walks.

The one who adopted Shirley and is following her every step, is Cheetah, an eighteen year old mare, who reached the SPCA four months ago, suffering from wounds and in poor physical state herself. During her rehabilitation, Cheetah was given disinfecting washes, fed nutritious food, had her hooves trimmed and has gained weight.

Cheetah - Looking for a warm home — Cheetah – Looking for a warm home

Both the mares, that are inseparable, have to get further vaccinations and worming shots, while Cheetah must have her teeth filed. Now we are looking for reliable adoptive homes with people who have a stable and are experienced in caring for horses. Cheetah can be ridden part of the time while Shirley still needs to be led and helped to recuperate.

The costs of the special foods, vaccinations and treatments that Shirley and Cheetah need, come to thousands of NIS and we are approaching the public to help us rehabilitate them by making donations. Every donation, big or small, will help us to help these two mares.

To contribute, Click here.

Rehabilitation Wing

Four horses that underwent rehabilitation in the SPCA Horses Home are looking for responsible new owners

In the past few weeks, four horses have been admitted to the SPCA Horses Home, where we rehabilitate horses and donkeys that have suffered neglect and abuse at the hands of their owners:

Crembo, is a white, particularly friendly 12 year old local breed horse. He reached us about a month ago in bad condition with signs of chafing on his legs. During the past few weeks he was given Polydine rinses and his condition rapidly improved. He has been neutered and still needs to be vaccinated, dewormed and have professional hoof trimming. He is suitable for light riding and is looking for owners who will care for him with love.

Alpha, a five year old grey, local breed mare, reached us a month and a half ago. She was neglected and in poor condition, since her owners hadn’t taken care of her properly. Since her arrival she has been given special food and nutritional supplements and now has to have her teeth filed, be vaccinated, dewormed and have professional hoof trimming. According to the team, she is a charming horse, easy going and suitable for riding and is looking for owners who will adopt her and continue to feed her appropriately so that she will continue to gain a little more weight and flourish.

Cleopatra, a seven year old, local breed mare, reached our Horses Home about one month ago after her owners were negligent in their care of her. For the past month she has been fed special food and has already gained weight. Now she needs to have her teeth filed, be vaccinated, dewormed and have professional hoof trimming. She is suitable for light riding and soon she will complete the rehabilitation process and will be ready to find new and loving owners.

Maria, a nine year-old, local breed mare, reached us about a year and a half ago, totally exhausted and in very bad physical condition. She suffered from multiple wounds and severe pain. She underwent a long rehabilitation process in our Horses Home and eventually was transferred to a farm that wished to adopt her. A month and a half ago Maria came back to us, after her new owners found it too challenging to take care of her. She had lost a little weight and suffered from a sore in her eye. In recent weeks she was given Polydine washes and nutritional supplements to restore her to good health. She still has to have her hooves trimmed and be dewormed and we hope that soon she will be ready for adoption.

Rehabilitation of the horses and donkeys in the SPCA Horses Home involves much expense for veterinary treatments and quality food. Your generous support will help us to bear the costs of caring for these animals. To contribute, Click here.

For anyone interested in adopting one of these horses or donkeys: The horses that are rehabilitated in our Horses Home need responsible owners who have stables or farms and are experienced in raising horses. The horses are given up for adoption for no charge following a visit by one of our representatives to the site. For further details and enquiries regarding adoption, please contact us at: *4553 or 03-5136500.

Hamsa

The SPCA team rescued me when I was on the verge of death. They took care of me with much dedication and now, very gradually, I am getting stronger. I am fed special, nutritious food that helps me to gain weight, but my rehabilitation process is expected to take a very long time

The horse Hamsa (7 years old) was found in the Taibe area, wounded and very underweight. She had collapsed from exhaustion and could not get back up on her feet. With much effort, the team managed to lift her on to a trailer and take her to the Society’s stables.

Hamsa where she was found - exhausted and unable to stand — Hamsa where she was found – exhausted and unable to stand

According to the veterinarian who examined her, she was on the verge of death and, had she not been rescued, it is likely that she would have died within a few days. The examination also revealed that she was dehydrated, malnourished, in need of hoof trimming after a long period of neglect, and needed to have her teeth filed. She was also put on an intensive course of antibiotics to treat a serious open wound on her back, apparently caused by misuse of her saddle.

The rehabilitation process - nourishing food and treatment for the open wounds — The rehabilitation process – nourishing food and treatment for the open wounds

In addition to antibiotics, Hamsa was given analgesics and now her wounds are healing. The main challenge was to help her gain weight and in order to achieve this, she was put on a diet of highly nutritious food and expensive dietary supplements but, due to the condition of her teeth, she had difficulty eating. After a few weeks, during which time Hamsa got a little stronger, her teeth were filed and now it is easier for her to eat. She has become more vivacious but still suffers from exhaustion, spends a lot of time lying down, and the weight-gaining process is expected to be prolonged.

Update: In the end of the rehabilitation process Hamsa was adopted by a private horse farm near Ashkelon.

Paz

Long years of forced labor and neglect had left their mark on me, till the SPCA team rescued me from my torture and brought me to the safety of the Society's stables. Now I am undergoing rehabilitation and upon completion of the process I will be found new and loving owners

For a long time Paz (12 years old) was forced to work, pulling heavy, loaded wagons while her owners neglected her health. The result: long hooves that weren’t treated and affected his balance, substandard weight, wounds and chafing caused by improvised harnessing, and worms.

Following a report to the SPCA call center from passers-by, she was brought to our stables and started on her rehabilitation process which included nourishing food to help her gain weight, deworming, professional hoof trimming and shoeing, and ongoing care of her wounds.

The forced labor and neglect are now behind her - Paz is in good hands — The forced labor and neglect are now behind her – Paz is in good hands

Paz’s condition improved gradually and she is in the midst of the rehabilitation process.

Update: In the end of the rehabilitation process Paz was adopted by owners of a private horse farm.

Zion

I am only one year old but have already gone through much hardship: I was cruelly abused, starved and neglected till I collapsed. Fortunately I was rescued by the SPCA, and thanks to the loving care that I received and the rehabilitation I am undergoing, I will soon be fully recovered

Following a report to the SPCA call center regarding a donkey that collapsed in South Tel Aviv, a special team set out to the location. The one year old donkey was in a state of exhaustion, extremely thin, weak, dehydrated, suffering from injuries in many parts of his body and was unable to stand on his feet.

Zion in the place where he was found, exhausted and unable to stand on his feet

The donkey, who was named Zion, was brought to the SPCA stables where he received first aid, which included infusions of fluids, nourishing food and rest. The wounds in the chest and legs areas were treated, and at a later stage he was given professional hoof trimming.

A few days later - Zion gained some strength and is standing on his feet — A few days later – Zion gained some strength and is standing on his feet

The rehabilitation process has not yet been completed; Zion continues to receive special food and is slowly gaining weight and we hope that soon we will be able to find him a new and responsible home.

Zion in the Society's stables - the abuse and neglect are behind him — Zion in the Society’s stables – the abuse and neglect are behind him

Update: In the end of the rehabilitation process Zion was adopted by a private farm in a Kibbutz in the north of the country.

Gingi

Hard labor, pulling heavy loads, beating and criminal neglect were the daily reality of my life till I came here to the SPCA stables. The SPCA staff began to rehabilitate me with great devotion and today I feel much better and hope soon to find a new home

Adorable Gingi (7 years old) was abandoned in Tel Aviv where he was found in bad condition: thin, exhausted, suffering from many wounds and deep cuts in the hip area that caused him terrible pain while his neglected hooves testified to the fact that he hadn’t been cared for, over a long period of time.

Exhausted, thin and suffering from cuts all over his body

When he was brought to the SPCA stables and underwent a veterinary examination, Gingi was started on a course of antibiotics and analgesics, along with rest and nourishing food. Once he gained a little strength, Gingi was administered a deworming injection and given professional hoof trimming.

From slavery to freedom - Gingi at the beginning of the rehabilitation process — From slavery to freedom – Gingi at the beginning of the rehabilitation process

Now Gingi is continuing to gain weight gradually, his wounds are healing and we hope that soon he will be ready to go to a new and responsible adoptive home.

Update: In the end of the rehabilitation process Gingi was adopted by a private horse farm in the north of the country.

Indifferent to their Fate

Two physically debilitated donkeys were found wandering around alone, and the Municipality was indifferent to their well-being

This week, we again came face-to-face with the ineffectiveness of the authorities with regard to animals in distress. On Saturday morning, a SPCA volunteer saw a frightened horse wandering around in the middle of a junction in south Tel Aviv. The volunteer unsuccessfully tried to catch the horse, and returned to the site of the incident a short while later with a harness, to try and find the horse. During the search, the volunteer noticed two donkeys in the vicinity, abandoned by their owners. One of them was suffering from a serious wound on his leg. A person who lived nearby helped the volunteer tie up the donkeys near his home.

While the donkeys were given water, the volunteer reported the incident to the Veterinarian Department of the Tel Aviv Municipality and continued her search for the lost horse. Meanwhile other representatives of the SPCA contacted the Tel Aviv Municipality and were told that inspectors were on their way, but that there is no veterinary supervision on Shabbat. After a delay of over three hours, the Municipality inspectors reached the scene. After speaking to the Municipal Veterinarian, Dr. Zvi Gallin, they claimed that it was not in their power to transfer the donkeys and that they would only be able to discuss how to deal with them on Sunday morning.

According to the volunteer: “The irresponsible manner in which the Municipality works is infuriating. Two emaciated and dehydrated donkeys in distress are suffering and the Municipal inspectors are indifferent to their fate. I couldn’t believe my ears when I called the Municipal call center at one point and they told me that they are waiting to see if the donkeys wander onto a main road, if something happens to them and if any other people call in to make a report. Why do they have to wait for an accident where people may be involved or these poor animals get hurt before the authorities respond?”

Serious wound on the donkey's hoof — Serious wound on the donkey’s hoof

Thanks to the SPCA, two young donkeys that were in extremely bad physical condition were taken to a secure facility belonging to a third party, with the SPCA taking responsibility for the costs involved in their care. The donkeys received first aid and were then examined by a horse veterinarian. Donations, small or large, will help us to rehabilitate these donkeys as well as other horses and donkeys that have suffered abuse and neglect.

For the Horses and Donkeys’ page, Click Here.
For contributions, Click Here.