Latest news with #AnimalsProtectionAct
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Lion breeding industry remains 'unchanged' says NSPCA
According to the NSPCA, its inspectors continue to encounter widespread contraventions of the Animals Protection Act. The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has warned that little to no progress has been made in shutting down South Africa's captive lion breeding industry, despite a series of government commitments and legal recommendations. During a briefing to the portfolio committee on environment, forestry and fisheries on Tuesday, National Chief Inspector Douglas Wolhuter said that 'nothing has changed' — highlighting ongoing welfare violations and a continued lack of enforcement, despite a government-backed plan to phase out lion farming. Lack of action despite recommendations In 2020, a High-Level Panel (HLP) recommended a full audit of lion farms, a moratorium on breeding, and the elimination of lion bone stockpiles. These proposals were adopted in April 2024 through the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report. However, the NSPCA says none of these have been fully implemented. '[There has been] no full and extensive audit of the industry, no moratorium on breeding, and lion bone stockpiles still exist,' the presentation read. ALSO READ: Chicken farm funded by PIC fails to reverse court order against inhumane practices Disturbing welfare conditions persist According to the NSPCA, its inspectors continue to encounter widespread contraventions of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. These include lack of potable water, inadequate shelter, insufficient veterinary care, poor hygiene, and evidence of neglect. 'Any person who unnecessarily starves or under-feeds or denies water or food to any animal is in violation,' the NSPCA reminded parliament, citing section 2 (1)(c) of the Act. One example included lion cubs discarded in rubbish dumps, with undeclared carcasses and bones also recovered. 'How were the lions treated when alive, and how did they die?' the NSPCA asked. ALSO READ: Addo Park moves elephants to avoid culling While court rulings have affirmed the NSPCA's mandate—declaring animal welfare and conservation as 'intertwined values'—the organisation expressed frustration with ongoing delays. 'The justice process is too slow, and penalties remain insufficient,' the presentation said. In one recent case, a guilty party received a suspended 12-month sentence or a R4 000 fine. ALSO READ: Farmers 'on the edge' over crippling foot and mouth disease A call for meaningful collaboration The NSPCA has called on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to provide project-specific funding to allow for joint inspections and audits. 'The NSPCA is willing to work in Joint Operations with the DFFE and EMIs to effect coordinated inspections […] and the information sharing must be a two-way street for effective compliance' Wolhuter warned against replacing lions with other exotic species, such as tigers. 'South Africa cannot allow tigers to replace lions, as welfare still applies,' he stated. NOW READ: Rabies warning: Over 4 800 people bitten by animals in Limpopo every year
Daily Maverick
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
NSPCA secures urgent court order while Daybreak chair flies coop with R625,000 payout
The collapse of state-owned poultry producer Daybreak Foods took a new turn this weekend as board chairperson Bojane Segooa resigned abruptly after securing a R625,000 payout, just as courts ordered the company to stop its mistreatment of nearly 600,000 starving birds. On Saturday, 10 May 2025, the NSPCA obtained an urgent interim court order from the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg compelling Daybreak to stop inhumane killing practices and provide adequate feed to 594,000 starving breeder birds at farms in Bela-Bela and Mookgopong. 'This is not just a failure of farming practices – it is a collapse of basic ethical standards,' said senior inspector Nazareth Appalsamy. 'The breeder birds are not only starving, they are suffering immensely.' The court order, which followed a whistle-blower tip-off on Wednesday, 7 May, confirms that Daybreak: Deployed untrained workers to kill birds by swinging them by the head; Failed to disclose conditions at remote farms despite prior interventions; Ignored earlier warnings, leading to preventable mass suffering. The NSPCA is returning to court on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 to make the interim relief permanent and is preparing criminal charges under the Animals Protection Act. Feathers fly in C-level suite The decision by Daybreak board chair Bojane Segooa to resign amid a strike by unpaid workers on Thursday, 8 May, as reported by TimesLive, – reportedly blindsided board colleagues already grappling with a spiralling crisis involving starving livestock and an organisation on the brink of liquidation. Her resignation came shortly after she had demanded R1.2-million in board fees, which then led to internal conflict and the resignation of CFO Aubrey Dali after she stripped him of his powers when he refused to authorise the payout. Despite resistance, Segooa ultimately received a payment of R625,000 before her hasty exit. Sources close to the board describe her exit as 'strategic abandonment' as the remaining three board members have opted to forgo their fees 'in good conscience'. Segooa's exit follows the February 2025 resignation of CEO Richard Manzini and the entire executive team, who left after the PIC failed to promptly release approved funding. However, insiders say the company was already 'technically insolvent' as early as 2016, just months after its acquisition. Daybreak's failure is becoming a case study in one of the most significant investment collapses in the Public Investment Corporation's (PIC) recent history. What began as a 2015 BEE-backed acquisition of Afgri Poultry, funded by the PIC to the tune of R1.19-billion, has spiralled into a humanitarian, animal welfare and financial disaster with at least R1.44-billion in public funds now at risk. PIC acquisition was not the trigger for chicken war… Despite the timing, the PIC's 2015 acquisition of Daybreak Foods did not cause the so-called 'Obama chicken war'. This term refers to a long-running trade dispute between South Africa and the US over American poultry imports, not local investment deals. The background: For more than 15 years, US chicken (especially bone-in pieces) was blocked from South Africa due to anti-dumping tariffs. In 2015, tensions escalated during negotiations over Agoa (African Growth and Opportunity Act), which gave SA duty-free access to US markets. Key moments: June 2015: PIC buys Daybreak Foods. At the same time, US and SA negotiators reach a poultry deal where SA agreed to accept 650,000 tons of US poultry exports. November 2015: After several delays, President Obama threatens to revoke SA's Agoa benefits if poultry access isn't resolved. January 2016: US sets a March deadline for compliance. February 2016: SA meets final conditions – US poultry begins entering the market. Bottom line: The 'chicken war' was about trade access and tariffs, not Daybreak. The PIC's purchase was a domestic investment, not a trigger for the dispute. Workers still unpaid, under fire Roughly 3,400 workers remain unpaid for April. Some are now homeless or unable to feed their families. On Tuesday, 6 May, protesters seeking answers were reportedly met by police who fired rubber bullets. Workers say UIF and provident fund contributions have not been made and they have not been provided with the necessary documents to claim temporary relief. Management has offered no clarity on backpay, business rescue or termination procedures. The Department of Labour has intervened and is exploring enforcement and compliance mechanisms. PIC steps in In a statement shared with Daily Maverick on Friday, 9 May 2025, the PIC confirmed that it had 'allocated a requested R250-million facility, R176-million of which was provided in February 2025.' It added that a further R74-million, originally intended for capital expenditure, had been repurposed for immediate operational support. 'The R74-million will now be allocated to provide immediate working capital, to address the company's immediate liquidity needs, which include: Outstanding salaries for April 2025; Feed supplies to prevent further starvation and cannibalism; Essential expenses necessary to avoid liquidation.' The PIC said Daybreak's board and management 'remain responsible and accountable' for the company's operations. It is 'assisting the board to strengthen management to bring stability' and has instructed leadership to implement a 'credible turnaround plan to ensure long-term sustainability and growth'. Department of Labour — 'We are concerned' The Department of Employment and Labour expressed alarm on Sunday at reports of Daybreak's collapse, noting that the company was funded through PIC investments made on behalf of both the Compensation Fund (CF) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). 'As funds are mandated to safeguard and grow the financial resources intended to benefit workers, the CF and the UIF are committed to ensuring that all investments made on their behalf align with their investment policies and deliver sustainable, long-term returns,' the department said. A spokesperson also confirmed that the department is 'engaging with the PIC to seek clarity on the status of this investment' and will take 'appropriate measures to protect the interests of stakeholders and ensure accountability'. DM
The South African
07-05-2025
- The South African
Betrayal behind closed doors: K9 Patrol Pet Army founder arrested
Jamie Pieterse – founder of the so-called 'K9 Patrol Pet Army' – and co-accused Marizelle Swanepoel were arrested following a raid on a Kirstenhof property that exposed appalling scenes of animal cruelty. Pieterse attempted to evade the law and was later arrested in Scarborough by the City of Cape Town Traffic Services. Narcotics were also found in his possession at the time of his arrest. Jamie Pieterse was arrested by City of Cape Town Traffic Services in Scarborough after trying to flee. Image: SPCA WARNING: The following video and images may upset sensitive readers Earlier that day, SPCA Inspectors – armed with a warrant obtained from the Wynberg Magistrate's Court – accompanied by Kirstenhof SAPS, descended on the property. Their entry was obstructed by co-accused Swanepoel, who stalled authorities for over seven minutes , claiming not to have the keys. It was only after she was warned of immediate arrest that the gates were finally opened. She was further caught attempting to untie one of the dogs in a clear effort to defeat the ends of justice before SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse intervened. What the SPCA team discovered inside was harrowing. Outside, five adult dogs were found tethered to short chains or ropes, without access to clean drinking water. Puppies were confined to a small pen, while a dog was tied to a tap. Another dog was found tethered inside a pen, its space so restricted that it could barely move. In the kitchen, a pitbull stood alone in filth. In the bathroom, three dogs were crammed in with piles of faeces, urine, and decaying rubbish – without a drop of water. Another three dogs were discovered locked in a separate room. Behind a urine-soaked couch, one cat and three more sick puppies were uncovered in equally horrible conditions, surrounded by faeces, urine, vomit, putrid water, and rotting food. But the horror didn't end there. Outside, inspectors found plastic tubs of discoloured black-green water filled with koi and Nile Tilapia fish – a listed invasive species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. These were being kept without a valid permit. In total, SPCA Inspectors rescued 13 dogs, 8 puppies, 1 cat, and 3 tubs of fish from this house of horrors. Both Pieterse and Swanepoel are now facing a range of serious charges, including: – And contravening environmental legislation by unlawfully keeping invasive alien species. – Multiple counts under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, including neglect, chaining and confining animals in cruel conditions, denying access to water, and failure to provide veterinary care; – Obstruction of justice in terms of Section 8(4) of the Animals Protection Act; – Violations of the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-law, for keeping excessive numbers of unsterilised dogs; Both suspects were arrested. The animals are now safely in the care of the SPCA where they are receiving urgent treatment and rehabilitation. On Monday, 5 May, the two suspects appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates' Court, following a weekend spent in police holding cells. The matter was postponed until Thursday, 8 May, at which time the accused are expected to formally apply for bail. Both are being represented by a private attorney. The SPCA has confirmed it will be opposing bail. It is important to note that this is not Jamie Pieterse's first brush with the law. In March 2025, the SPCA laid charges of animal cruelty against him after he attempted to treat a dog's torn ear by gluing it back together with super glue – without any pain relief, sterilisation, or proper veterinary knowledge. Video footage showed the dog, named Pablo, yelping in pain as Pieterse and co restrained him and forced his mouth shut during the botched 'treatment.' This disturbing footage, which clearly documented the dog's suffering, was instrumental in securing charges under both the Animals Protection Act and the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, since Pieterse is not registered to perform veterinary procedures. Inspector Jeffrey Mfini intervened in that case, removing the dog and placing him under SPCA care. Pablo required nearly a month of treatment to recover from the trauma and injury, but thankfully made a full recovery and was joyfully reunited with his family. This prior case serves as a warning. While some individuals and groups may present themselves as animal saviours, their actions often tell a very different story. 'What we uncovered is not just a case of neglect – it's deliberate cruelty masked under the guise of animal rescue,' said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse. 'It's heartbreaking to think of the pain these animals endured in silence. We will not allow false rescuers to exploit animals for personal gain or attention. Justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.' The SPCA has once again urged the public to be cautious. Before donating or supporting any 'rescue' group, ask questions, verify credentials, and look beyond the image. Good intentions do not justify cruelty. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
04-05-2025
- IOL News
SPCA and Cape Town traffic officers rescue 21 dogs and a cat from neglect
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said that it received numerous complaints regarding K9 Patrol Pet Army, a non-profit organisation purporting to enhance animal care. Image: SPCA/Screenshot Cape Town traffic officers in collaboration with the SPCA and other authorities, executed a search warrant which led to the rescue of 21 dogs, a cat and several fish who were in poor condition at a notorious animal shelter in Retreat. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA said that it received numerous complaints regarding K9 Patrol Pet Army, a non-profit organisation purporting to enhance animal care. 'Our inspectors were previously denied access to the Kirstenhof property, but with a new complaint and supporting video evidence, we secured a warrant from the Wynberg Magistrates' Court to enter and search the premises. 'This same individual has previously been arrested for animal cruelty and the case is currently pending in court,' the SPCA said. The man was previously caught by the SPCA for allegedly treating a severely injured dog in Hanover Park using inappropriate methods. The SPCA said that reports indicated that he used super glue and aloe to address a dog's torn ear without cleaning the wound or administering any form of pain relief or antibiotics. 'It is also important to note that he is not registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) to perform any veterinary procedures. SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini intervened upon notification of the incident, ensuring that the dog received proper veterinary care,' they said. In that incident he was charged with animal cruelty in terms of the Animals Protection Act and for unlawfully undertaking veterinary procedures without being registered in terms of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act. On Friday, the SPCA and the City's traffic officers executed a search warrant where according to Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith they found 21 dogs, 1 cat, and several fish were living in poor conditions, subjected to neglect, cruelty, and abuse. 'The suspect, posing as a non-profit animal shelter, was actually conducting unlicensed veterinary procedures. 'But that's not all! When officers tried to apprehend the suspect, they found evidence of drug abuse on the premises. The suspect attempted to evade capture, but our team tracked him down to Scarborough and successfully apprehended him,' Smith said. 'The suspect now faces charges under the Animals Protection Act and City of Cape Town by-laws, as well as drug charges for having mandrax tablets and tik in his possession. 'We're proud of our team's dedication to animal welfare and community safety. The suspect has been handed over to Kirstenhof SAPS for further investigation and legal proceedings.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- The Citizen
Woes over starving chickens in Delmas continue
The DA in Mpumalanga has called on the NSPCA to intervene and take action against the management of a Daybreak Poultry Farm in Delmas. That is according to a media statement released by Tersia Marshall, DA spokesperson for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs recently. 'We discovered acts of animal cruelty and neglect on the poultry farm associated with the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs,' said Marshall. Chickens on the farm have resorted to cannibalism because of not being fed for at least four consecutive days. According to Marshall, the DA has learnt day-old chicks died because of cold exposure. 'Ongoing electrical disruptions that have prevented access to essential heating equipment reportedly caused this,' Marshall added. 'We witnessed the severity of the impact on-site. Numerous chicken bodies were scattered outside the poultry runs. In one particularly distressing instance, chickens escaped through a narrow opening in the structure, desperately searching for food, only to peck at the decomposing carcasses of their fellow chickens. 'Previously, we alerted the MEC of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mpumelelo Hlophe, about a substantial number of chickens had died because of a lack of food. 'However, no response or intervention has been forthcoming from the MEC or the department. It is concerning to note how the MEC has turned a blind eye to gross violation of animal welfare standards,' Marshall added. This was after reports surfacing about chickens on farms in the Delmas district resorting to cannibalism after being without food for up to three days. Reports of breeders not getting paid for chickens delivered to Daybreak also reached Streeknews. 'We have been battling since January to get paid by Daybreak for chickens delivered,' one such breeder, who wishes to stay anonymous, told Streeknews. 'Since the incident in February when chickens starved of hunger, we have heard about more than one farm where no food was delivered or not enough delivered and where the chickens resorted to cannibalism because of hunger. 'We are, however, contractually bound to grow only Daybreak chicks and also restricted to the chicken feed supplied by Daybreak. We also received regular visits in the last months from the SPCA.' Streeknews made numerous attempts to contact a spokesperson for Daybreak Foods, but at the time of going to print, had no success. The DA reiterates all animals, regardless of their economic purpose, are entitled to humane treatment. The reported conditions on the farm constitute a violation of the Animals Protection Act, 1962 (Act No. 71 of 1962), which states under Section 2(1)(e) and (q) that any person who 'being the owner or person having the charge or control of any animal, fails to provide such animal with sufficient food or water or causes any animal to be subjected to unnecessary suffering' is guilty of an offence. 'The DA remains committed to ensuring all animals are treated with dignity and those responsible for cruelty and neglect held accountable under the law,' Marshall concluded. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
