Update:
Content warning: This article contains content that readers may find distressing
In its latest update, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA shared images of the terrible conditions the 19 000 cattle aboard ‘Al Kuwait’ have been subjected to over the past two and a half weeks.
The vessel departed Brazil on Wednesday, 10 February, and is currently docked at the Cape Town Harbour to load feed for the animals on board before departing for its intended destination in the Middle East.
The SPCA said it had made an application for and was granted a court order to enter the vessel to ensure the welfare of the animals on board but had to enlist the assistance of the Sea Border SAPS after initially being denied access.
‘Typically, live export exposes animals to dangerous levels of ammonia, rough seas, extreme heat stress, injuries, dirty conditions, exhaustion and even death, and in the cramped conditions, disease can spread rapidly,’ said the SPCA.
‘Our inspection is ongoing and the team’s efforts to ensure the welfare of the cattle on board will continue until the ship leaves our harbour on Wednesday, 21 February 2024,’ the SPCA added.
‘Concerns relating to inadequate hygiene and veterinary care are apparent and we will not hesitate to prosecute if this becomes necessary.’
Picture: The Cape of Good Hope SPCA / Facebook
Update:
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has reiterated its firm stance against the live export of animals by sea, having been taking the matter to the High Court since 2019.
This comes after the organisation confirmed it was actively engaged, along with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, on the ‘Al Kuwait’, a live export vessel currently docked at Cape Town Harbour.
‘The ship is in the process of loading feed and is carrying 19 000 cattle bound for Iraq from Brazil,’ said the NSPCA in a statement.
According to the organisation, the team, including NSPCA Veterinary Consultant Dr Bryce Marock, has been aboard the vessel since 10pm on Sunday, 18 February, working with the cooperation of the captain to assess the welfare of the animals.
The NSPCA acknowledged concerns regarding the foul stench emanating from the ship that has been hanging in the air over the city since this morning.
‘This smell is indicative of the awful conditions the animals endure, having already spent two and a half weeks on board, with a build-up of faeces and ammonia. The stench onboard is unimaginable, yet the animals face this every single day,’ said the NSPCA.
Update:
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), along with representatives of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, are currently conducting an inspection on board the ship.
This follows concerns and comments from social media users about the inhumane treatment of the cattle kept on it:
- ‘I sincerely hope the NSPCA do check ups on ships like that. Imagine those poor animals in that ship if the smell is so bad that it affects the whole city. I think only half of those reach their destination the other probably don’t survive the trip. The poor people that feeds them is certainly also at risk.’
- ‘Poor animals- live transport needs to stop!’
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‘What is the findings of the NSPCA why is the ship smelling this fowl and why is it allowed to dock when clearly it is a health hazzard.As locals we have to know how they will discard of carcasses and feases. Why now…are we importing cattle…why…Dont buy any specials in the near future.’
Dr Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayco member for water and sanitation, says the smell that is permeating across the City of Cape Town is due to a ship that arrived in the harbour last night.
The ship is reportedly carrying cattle and is due to leave the port tonight at 9pm.
⚠️ UPDATE | REPORTS REGARDING FOUL SMELL ACROSS THE CBD | 10:00 | Environmental Health have confirmed that the source of the smell across the city is a ship in the harbour. The ship arrived last night and is carrying cattle. It is due to leave the port tonight at 9pm. pic.twitter.com/DoXEHNqBQS
— Dr Zahid Badroodien (@ZahidBadroodien) February 19, 2024
Also read: Fire and Rescue Services monitoring the strong gas smell in Cape Town
Social media users on the X platform responded to the City’s ‘Good Morning’ message, stating that there was an awful smell resembling sewage across the CBD, Woodstock, Gardens, Tamboerskloof and possibly more areas:
- ‘The CBD (incl. Woodstock, possibly further) stinks of sewerage. Any idea what the problem is?’
- ‘Why does it smell so bad in the city bowl today? 😭’
- ‘Good morning have you opened a window yet today? The city stinks like rotten garbage. It’s very New York of you but can we sort it out please 🙏 I can taste it’
- ‘Why is the City smelling like a sewerage plant?’
- ‘Please could you address what the awful smell permeating throughout the CBD is? I’ve only seen replies regarding traffic lights and power outages.’
Cape {town} Etc reached out to the City for comment.
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Picture: Supplied
