On the morning of 3 February 2025, our Inspectors received an anonymous complaint alleging that chickens had been left without food for at least three days, possibly even five, resulting in the birds cannibalising each other and mortalities due to starvation. Upon inquiry to the farm, which is a contract grower, no conclusive evidence was provided as to when the birds were last fed, however, it was divulged that the farm received only half of the scheduled delivery of chicken feed.
In yet another horrifying display of the utter disregard for the welfare of farm animals, the NSPCA and Springs SPCA were forced to intervene to prevent further suffering at two broiler farms in Delmas, where starving chickens had resorted to cannibalism.
The efforts of our courageous Inspectors initially met with resistance by the farm manager, who was unwilling to fully cooperate with our investigation in terms of providing the necessary information required.
Once inside, the team was confronted with a horrifying scene: countless birds lay dying or critically injured, their bodies torn open with exposed organs. Hundreds of chickens, driven to desperation, had begun feeding on one another in their desperate attempt to survive. It was evident that these birds were suffering immensely.
Over 4,000 had to be humanely destroyed by ourselves. This does not include the many others who had already succumbed to their starvation and wounds.
Our Inspectors have described this cruelty and suffering as one of the most distressing cases they have yet encountered. Beyond the immediate trauma of this tragic scene, the incident has forced the NSPCA to launch a countrywide inspection of all farms affiliated with the commercial producer, as we fear others may be faced with the same dire situation. The following day, a similar situation on one of their other contract grower farms was found, with dead and dying chickens left again without feed. More than 2000 birds had to be culled to prevent further suffering. This critical response has placed immense financial strain on the organisation.
The NSPCA will open a criminal case against all responsible stakeholders for contravening the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 for the extreme neglect and cruelty inflicted on these animals. We will not rest until every individual responsible for this horrendous indifference to the suffering of these birds is identified and held accountable.
If you have any information about similar cases, please contact the NSPCA at farm@nspca.co.za. We would greatly appreciate any donation to support our emergency response to this crisis.
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