It's strange how superstitions persist – even in the West. When did you last see a hotel bedroom number ‘13’? So perhaps it’s hardly surprising that superstition is still rife in Africa. Most horses (and lots of humans as well) have little ‘good luck’ amulets round their necks – containing goodness knows what. This horse has had his legs, tail and mane dyed with henna to bring good luck to horse and owner I’ve seen lots of old men dying their grey beards with it too – maybe I should give it a try? Of course lots of women tourists visiting Morocco and other north African countries have elaborate patterns painted on their hands and feet with it.
Unfortunately, not all such superstitions are as harmless. In Mauritania, this poor wretched horse has been ‘fired’ – red-hot irons are stabbed into various ‘crucial’ parts to drive out the evil spirits that are causing the problem.
As Professor Ouassat explains, the original lameness problem is almost certainly in the hoof or fetlock – over 80 percent are – but this thoughtful owner has been sticking red hot branding irons into its shoulder. Imaginatively, he’s even done it in the shape of a horse-shoe. Wow – that’s just sure to cure the problem.
The horse will stay in our care until he's back to full health, while SPANA vets make sure then owner has a better understanding of the real causes of lameness. Thanks to SPANA this horse will soon be free of pain, and his owner will be better able to take care of him in the future.
What do you think? Join the discussion on SPANA's Facebook:
Jeremy Hulme
Chief Executive
Comments
It's almost the same concept
Anonymous Wed, 11/09/2011 - 05:58It's almost the same concept of undeveloped worlds. Some still believe in spirits and think that a god controls crops. The man this horse belonged too was probably trying to help the horse. however, i agree that it's wrong to do that to a horse. The man was practicing his religion and trying to help the horse not prolong his suffering. I think this is just a matter of education and development of third and fifth world countries.
Of course its animal cruelty.
Anonymous Wed, 10/26/2011 - 22:32Of course its animal cruelty. I can hardly look at the horse without cringing... how could those people do this to a fellow animal. Indeed...sad.
This is so sad.
Anonymous Wed, 10/26/2011 - 01:59This is so sad.
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