A joint operation by the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) and local police uncovered severe animal welfare abuses at Mama Ngina Waterfront, resulting in the rescue of eleven horses and two camels and the arrest of two handlers. The animals were found in dire conditions—emaciated, covered in ticks, suffering from infected wounds, and forced to carry riders, including very young foals. The rescued animals are now receiving veterinary care at the KSPCA center in Kilifi County, while investigations and legal actions against the offenders continue.

The KSPCA has pledged to expand similar crackdowns to other coastal tourist areas, emphasizing that economic hardship does not justify animal cruelty. While many locals depend on offering horse and camel rides for income, the society insists on prioritizing the ethical treatment of animals and enforcing welfare laws. This intervention highlights the need to balance tourism with responsible animal care to protect the well-being of animals used for entertainment in Mombasa and beyond.