I bear witness to a distressing truth that concerns all of us who care about horse welfare in Walvis Bay. When I was at work, a heartbreaking tragedy unfolded. My horse suffered injuries due to poorly maintained stalls and stables. Once, I found my horse's face scarred, caused by the reeds that litter the grounds. These stables, supposed sanctuaries, have deteriorated to such an extent that they have become hazardous to the animals that reside in them. The grounds are swarming with old, dirty reeds from sewage water, which our horses can easily consume and fall sick from. Not only are the conditions harmful, but they are also woefully neglected with no maintenance carried out. Furthermore, there are no proper roofs on the stables, leaving the horses to be exposed to the elements.

The current management's disregard for animal welfare is forcing many owners to move their horses to other towns, tarnishing the reputation of an industry that is central to our town and is also the first site that greets visitors. The disregard for the well-being and health of the horses in these stalls is not reflective of our town's values or the considerable fees we pay for these services.

We cannot allow this neglect to continue. We call for the establishment of a new management system that prioritizes the health and well-being of horses. Improving the conditions in these stalls is essential for promoting a thriving horse industry in Walvis Bay.

Please join us in urging the local authority to take responsibility, enforce better supervision, and improve animal care standards at the WEC horse stalls. Your signature can help ensure that our horses live the healthy lives they deserve. Sign the petition today.