As she races down the street, the uncertainty of the location is wiped away instantly as she approaches the crowd gathered in the street. High up on the rooftops the pointing fingers of even the children amongst the onlookers, bring an eerie reality to the moment. Their faces some drawn to dismay or even disgust, and some are merely in awe of this untimely disruption of their community. The red heap of wet blankets and cloth reveal only the 4 legs and limp thighs.
Her demeanour changes. Her glance, before of urgency drawn to a frown, now is sad. She would’ve wanted to protect her, to have prevented such a fate, if only she was given the chance. With a sigh, she puts the clipboard on the seat next to her and gets out of the vehicle. “It’s so unnecessary…” They weren’t supposed to work this animal yet, even to the point of officially being taken off the road yesterday because they weren’t adhering to simple rules regarding responsible care. Had they listened to the advice, they would’ve rested her for the 4 months she was supposed to after she had her foal. And now she’s lying on the pavement, life ripped from her jugular in a puddle of blame. A big, red stain.
She slowly bends over the feeble heap and lifts the wet cloth. 350kg of pure brute muscle, of reliable, unconditional transport, of a mare that even after a long workday would still masker up enough energy to feed her foal, a part of her being whose only life-line is her. The macabre contrast of the moment is heart wrenching. The strong mare lies naked to her fate, diminished to a pile of limp, wet rags on the ground, overworked, expelled. Bled out.
And after all the eyewitnesses made their statements, she steps back and for a moment the reality draws on her face again. She stares at the ground and frowns. The question would be whether they would look after the foal in the appropriate way.. that they would wait for 3 years to pass before they would work him also to this fate…
and tears swell in her eyes as she pulls the blame-soaked cloth over the carcass
In South Africa today security plays a vital part in any business or private home. This book and the volumes to follow, will guide you step by step through the essential precautionary measures to be taken in protecting your family and valuables. From employing security guards, evacuation of your site and security measures to burglar bars and alarms in your private home.
a Book compiled by me from experience gained after 10 years in the security industry as Industrial relations officer with Nosa qualifications, 1st Aid, fire protection and also S.O.B. grade A.