While the stench from livestock carrier Al Kuwait has only just begun to fade from our memories, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has warned of another consignment of live animals set to make a stop in South African waters.
Also read: Stink over live animal export continues as Al Kuwait ships out
According to a statement, NSPCA said Al Kuwait owner company Al Mawashi is due to arrive in East London harbour today, 2 April.
‘Approximately 60 000 sheep, 1500 cattle and 200 goats will be loaded onto the vessel for the brutal voyage to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia,’ read the statement.
Al Kuwait was carrying 19 000 cattle in abhorrent conditions when it docked in Cape Town harbour in February.
In preparation for the vessel’s arrival, an NSPCA inspector and veterinarian travelled to the feedlot in the Eastern Cape, where serious welfare concerns were discovered. A warning was issued for shade and water to be provided for the animals and for injured animals to receive appropriate treatment on 18 March.
‘Since 26 March, seven NSPCA Inspectors, the NSPCA veterinarian and two inspectors from King Williamstown SPCA have been at the feedlot to inspect the animals being held in preparation for loading,’ the organisation said in its statement.
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NSPCA added that, to their understanding, the feedlot is owned by Bruce Page of Page Farming, who is managing the shipment from Al Mawashi, to whom he rents the feedlot for the export.
‘On 27 March, NSPCA inspectors encountered escalating hostility during the lawful inspection, conducted with a warrant,’ the statement continued.
‘Mr Bruce Page displayed aggressive and discourteous behaviour and this culminated in a physical altercation towards one of our inspectors, followed by his demands for the inspectors to leave the premises. The NSPCA had to request assistance from members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).’
According to the organisation, the NSPCA has encountered ongoing animal abuse at this feedlot and currently has five prosecution cases against Al Mawashi and Bruce Page.
‘During the June 2023 shipment, inspectors thwarted attempts to load sick, pregnant, lame, heavily horned and unshorn sheep. Inspectors further intervened when rams had their horns severed using an angle grinder causing a blood bath and resulting in 131 rams being confiscated and the rest of the then feedlot manager,’ the NSPCA said.
‘Charges were laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 and further charges were brought for obstruction and defeating the ends of justice.’
As a result of the ongoing animal abuse identified during inspections, the NSPCA met with the Eastern Cape Department: Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (Veterinary Services), who are responsible for monitoring the shipment.
‘The Department agreed that the current Guidelines for the Export of Animals by sea would be stringently followed for future shipments,’ the NSPCA reported.
Concluding its statement, the animal welfare organisation reiterated its stance against the transportation of live animals by sea.
‘The NSPCA remains adamantly opposed to the cruel and unnecessary transportation of live animals by sea. Until this practice ends, the NSPCA will leverage all available legal powers to ensure animal welfare is prioritised and continue with inspections to ensure that only healthy and suitable animals undergo such arduous journeys.’
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Picture: Harry Grout / Unsplash