DE RUST – The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is seeking an experienced, qualified animal welfare inspector to help establish and lead a dedicated donkey welfare team in the Northern Cape. This proposed outpost will extend the work of the sanctuary, which is situated near De Rust and Meiringspoort in the Klein Karoo, into areas where donkeys face the most desperate circumstances.
According to a post on the sanctuary’s Facebook page, the Northern Cape operation will target regions where these gentle creatures endure serious cruelty, neglect and inhumane slaughter.
Apart from having certain qualifications and work-related experience in this field, the inspector must possess a valid driver’s licence and confidence working in remote rural areas. Furthermore, willingness to relocate to the Northern Cape and help build a new operation from the ground up is essential.
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From humble beginnings to continental recognition
Karoo Donkey Sanctuary began with four rescued donkeys and a promise to give animals in need a place of safety, dignity and lifelong care. In 2017, that promise was tested when the sanctuary saved 236 donkeys and 36 horses from a slaughter auction in the Northern Cape.
Today, Karoo Donkey Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, protects and advocates for donkeys and equines whose suffering might otherwise go unseen. It has grown to become one of Africa’s largest equine sanctuaries and the continent’s only equine sanctuary verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
Role of animal inspector
The animal welfare inspector will be responsible for helping establish a secure operational base and temporary place of safety for rescued donkeys, as well as mapping donkey welfare hotspots and coordinating targeted field responses.
Assessing animals, arranging urgent veterinary care and coordinating rescues and transport will also be part of the role, as will investigating suspected cruelty, documenting evidence and pursuing cases through the appropriate authorities.
The inspector will also have to coordinate lawful surrenders and seizures with the necessary authorisations and support, and work closely with local police stations, stock-theft units, veterinarians and animal welfare organisations. Leading a small field team and maintaining clear animal-care, operational and case records will also be expected.
Those interested can send the required documentation, as stated on the post, to jonno@karoodonkey.org, with the subject line “Northern Cape Inspector Application”.
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