On Friday, 28 January, Inspector Jeffrey Mfini obtained a court order to confiscate poultry from two illegal hawkers in the Masiphumelele informal settlement following a failed attempt to educate the perpetrators on humane handling, transportation and safekeeping of their chickens.
According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, several warnings were issued, seeking to remedy the contraventions in terms of the Animal Protection Act, however, all the warnings were ignored.
The SPCA said on arrival, Inspectors and Law Enforcement officials found more than 100 chickens held in overcrowded crates without any access to food, water or shade.
“Several of the chickens were found dead on arrival, while others were still alive, however, severely dehydrated and beyond saving, some needed to be humanely euthanized.
“Despite the tremendous loss of life and prolonged suffering, Inspectors then managed to save a large number of chickens with emergency intervention on site,” the SPCA said.
Those who were still viable were rescued and transported to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Grassy Park for veterinary treatment.
The SPCA further mentioned that the sale of animals without a permit is now illegal as per the new Animal Keeping By-Law, 2021, introduced by the City of Cape Town.
“It is illegal to trade animals without a permit. Cape of Good Hope SPCA is pursuing charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the illegal sale of animals in terms of the Animal Keeping By-Law, 2021,” the SPCA added.
Meanwhile, Chief Inspector, Jaco Pieterse also stated: “Regardless whether these chickens were destined for consumption or subsistence farming, no one has the right to subject any animal to cruelty. We care about all animals, no matter the species.”
Confidential cruelty reports can be made online at https://capespca.co.za/report–cruelty/ by emailing [email protected] or by telephone during office hours at 0217004158/9. Cruelty after hours can be made on 083 326 1604.
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Picture/s: Cape of Good Hope SPCA