Wannie’s Emotional Homecoming After Brutal Attack

Belize’s favorite horse is finally back home. After eight long months of recovery from a brutal attack near his home on Faber’s Road Extension, Wannie is returning to where it all began. You might remember the heartbreaking video that introduced us to this gentle giant, a group of young men caught on camera viciously beating the defenseless horse. That footage sparked outrage across the country and, more importantly, inspired animal lovers to take action. Organizations rallied behind Wannie, and today, News Five’s Shane Williams was there to witness his emotional homecoming.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

Wannie’s return home today was an emotional homecoming for all involved. What started as a story that exposed the worst side of humanity quickly turned into an incredible testimony for the power of love, compassion and unity. Numerous organizations sprang into action after witnessing the horrific attack on Wannie, including government agencies, veterinary centers and agro-producers. Wannie needed all the love he could get, and after eight months of treatment, nurturing and rehabilitation at Reimer’s property in Spanish Lookout, he was finally able to return home to Madam Liz Avenue. Reimer’s Marketing Manager Ronaldo Blanco says Wannie is a walking miracle and took us through his journey to recovery.

 

Rodrigo Blanco, Marketing Manager, Reimer’s

“I think in the beginning. Just like any, anybody else that would go through something like that they’ll have some kind of trauma. And we had to see how we could gain his trust back, and especially around just human beings, right? Because after a situation like that horses tend to, be a bit more, agile or a bit more fearful. So in the beginning we try to do it slowly, step by step.”

 

Step by step meant treating the wounds daily. One of the immediate concerns was the possible exposure to New World Screwworm infection. Luckily, Wannie tested negative and his treatment regiment focused on cleaning and nursing the wounds as well as nutrition. When he started reacting to the touch of the wound, even through signs of discomfort, they knew he was finally responding to treatment.

 

Rodrigo Blanco

“Now he’s just very gentle. He, every time when we. When we park the car near to feed him, you’d see he getting excited because he already knows the routine that he’s gonna get assistance and feed as well.”

 

Reimer’s also handed over hay, vitamins and other medication to the young owners of Wannie. While some have questioned their ability to care for such a high-maintenance animal, Devonte Broaster says he loves Wannie and vows to be more protective moving forward.

 

Shane Williams

“How do you feel to having your, your bill Beloved horse back?

 

Devonte Broaster, Owner

“I feel happy man, and thanks everybody helped me out too with house where I feel good.

 

Shane Williams

“Remember when he left in April?

 

Devonte Broaster

“Mm-hmm.”

 

Shane Williams

“What was it like seeing your house in that condition?”

 

Devonte Broaster

“I’m mean, feel bad because first time I see something I city like this. Mm-hmm.

 

Shane Williams

“And tell us about your, why, why, why did you want a house in the first place?

 

Devonte Broaster

“Because when I was still follow people, a red house, I man one house.”

 

Shane Williams

“And then you finally get your horse.”

 

Devonte Broaster

“Yes, sir. I finally get that house. No.”

 

Shane Williams

“And it, it had to go through something like that.”

 

Devonte Broaster

“Yes, sir.”

 

Shane Williams

“So now what do you plan to do to make sure Wannie is in good condition?”

 

Devonte Broaster

“I just wa keep he inna my eyesight and watch ah good.”

 

And he will not be alone. Reimer’s is providing advice and training for Devonte on how to properly care for Wannie. When asked about the criticism of even returning him in the first place, Blanco says the company believes it is more important to provide assistance and training to an animal lover than preventing them from sharing that love.

 

Rodrigo Blanco     

“I feel like everyone given the chance would have affection for pets. And sometimes the reality is we just don’t have the resources. So we had decided, okay, throughout this whole journey, let’s create a better relationship with the owner. In any case, he wants to have or he’s stuck in some dilemma. He doesn’t know. He has questions to ask. He can speak to our team directly, and we made it clear to him that we will try and always be available for him should he come to those situations. And I think we believe that in the long term, that would be more effective.”

 

After intervention from animal lovers and welfare agencies, and months of treatment at Reimer’s, Wannie returned home to a new stable donated by companies in Spanish Lookout. There are so many people to thank for this early Christmas miracle because as you all know, it takes a village to raise a horse.

 

Devonte Broaster

“Thank unu. Thank unu fi help me out.”

 

Shane Williams for News Five.