Nieu-Bethesda Horse Welfare Initiative

04/06/2026

A horse loving an ear rub from Carli, of East Cape Horse Care Unit. So precious! Just look at that face! 😁🥰 Took this photo during our recent Horse Welfare Outreach Program in Nieu-Bethesda.

02/06/2026

Update on Strokie: Happy news!! He is now renamed Chance, because he has been given a 2nd chance in life, where he has gone from being misused & abused to now being placed in the best home a horse could wish for. A huge thank you to all involved for giving Chance to be able to live a life of care and love. East Cape Horse Care Unit's wonderful & dedicated ladies, Carla and Carli, have been looking after Chance so he was rather reluctant to leave his haven of loving attention, whereas when he was loaded onto the horse box in Nieu-Bethesda, he walked right in without hesitation, as if he knew that he was going to a better life. Strokie (aka Chance) came to our attention at our recent Horse Welfare Outreach Program in Nieu-Bethesda..... those eyes of his spoke volumes, a horse whose spirit was broken. And now he will only know a life of love. For those who have made this possible, words are not enough to express our gratitude. Thank you! ❤️🙏🐎 Ps. We had to giggle at the last two photos of Chance covering himself in lucerne in his stable. He will soon get used to his new 5 star life of luxury. 🥰❤️

31/05/2026

17/05/2026

A case of mistreatment of donkeys in Nieu-Bethesda today.
Visitors to Nieu-Bethesda witnessed two donkeys being mistreated by two youngsters, beaten across the face and a ropes in the mouths as a bit. Fortunately these visitors took action and confronted these youngsters and took the rope out of the donkeys mouths. They also took a video and photos and reported to us immediately. (I have blocked out the face) These photos and video were sent to the owner immediately, because we know that he would not let these youngsters ride or fetch his donkeys, nor tolerate mistreatment of them. The owner then went to the police station and opened a case. We sincerely appreciate the actions of the visitors, because they saved these donkeys from further abuse. We request that anyone seeing any mistreatment of animals in the area, to please take clear photos and/or videos of the culprits and the animals and to contact us immediately. Then we step in and take action, as there is proof.

14/05/2026

Noupoort Animal Care's facilities have burnt down, including the home of their animal angel, Courtney. Any donation will be greatly appreciated to help them get back on their feet again. There is no other animal welfare in this area and they really need one. Please help if you can. 🙏🐾🐾 Thank you Good Things Guy for helping get their story out there. Ps. Noupoort Animal Care's banking details are on the post in the comments section.

A fire has destroyed the home and shelter of Courtney Stassen of Noupoort Animal Care, just days after her animals battled through snow.

09/05/2026

Hello friends, sharing some devastating news that a fire broke out this morning at Courtney's house (Noupoort Animal Care). Some of you on the group have met Courtney in person, and/or have adopted some Noupoort kritters in the past. She refused to leave the house before getting her animals (a couple dozen) that stays inside the house to safety. She managed to save all except for one cat and a puggie who sadly succumbed to the flames - the unimaginable horror is that she witnessed this happening infront of her, but by that time the flames were too severe to get to them. She was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and her hair was scorched. The actual shelter with the kennels and cattery are directly at the back of the house, but thank God the fire could be contained before reaching the kennels. Courtney has been checked out of hospital but is understandably devastated and in a total state of shock. The house is destroyed along with everything she owned. We are making plans to find temp alternative accomadation for the animals that stayed in the house. Graws went to collect a number of dogs. Amanda also offered help - THANK YOU Amanda, and Patricia who is an animal courier, also offered to collect some of the dogs to take to her farm temp (in Magaliesberg I think). These are doggies used to sleeping inside the house and many in Courtneys bed, so it is sad that many will now have to be put in kennels in this cold, but sadly that will have to do for the time being. Me and Pietie have also offered to take in a few if needed, although it's already a madhouse our side, but desperate times ... and the kind of person Courtney is, she will never hesitate to help a friend or an animal in any way she can if the roles were reversed. She lost everything - her phone, I presume her bank cards, as she only focused on saving the animals. Her cousen is driving frm E.L to take her some clothes. Will only be able to get to a bank in the new week to sort stuff out. I am going to paste the banking details of NAC in case any of you wish to/are able to make a donation. And should any of you be able to take in some dogs, even if 1 or 2, kindly also let me know. I don't have detail yet on how many are sorted re shelter and how many will still need a place to go. Pls keep Courtney in your thoughts and prayers. Love, Erma Erma Stadler Voigt

02/05/2026

This breaks our hearts! 😢💔
This poor horse in Nieu-Bethesda was stabbed last night, in 4 places. (Wounds covered for sensitive viewers)
His young owners brought him to Victoria this morning for help. They helped wash all the blood off so that Victoria could treat the wounds. This is the 3rd stabbing incident of horses we have had in the past few months, and this one is bad. Unacceptable!! I hope that the community of Piernaarsig is Nieu-Bethesda are able to find out who is responsible so that action can be taken. Thank you, Victoria Nance , for always being there to help these horses.

30/04/2026

17/01/2026

Popping in for a cuddle with Auntie Victoria at Dustcovers Bookshop. So precious! 🥰❤️🫏
Thank you for sharing this with us, Victoria Nance.