Week in Review: 28 April – 04 May 2025

Honouring Hard Work & Exposing Hard Truths

This week, we marked Workers’ Day with a heartfelt tribute – not just to people, but to South Africa’s working animals who, too often, toil in silence.

We also brought attention to a deeply troubling incident involving a truck transporting live cattle to a harbour in East London for live export that crashed, causing immense suffering.

As most South Africans enjoyed a long weekend and short work week, our dedicated Inspectors spent their time ending the suffering of hundreds of thousands of starving chickens. In one of the most harrowing scenes they’ve come across, the NSPCA was forced to cull chickens at Daybreak Farms, after the animals were found starving, some resorting to cannibalism out of desperation.

These distressing stories reflect the brutal realities we confront daily. We ask for empathy, not only for the animals, but for those who are tasked with witnessing their suffering and standing up for them when no one else will.

Join us as we look back on the week that was.

On the night of 26 April, 65 cattle were loaded onto a truck in Upington, bound for live export to Mauritius via the East London Harbour.

But tragedy struck when the vehicle attempted to pass under a low bridge around 20:30. The truck was too high, and the trailer overturned, trapping the animals inside. Twenty cattle died on impact, and three more were so badly injured they had to be euthanised. The driver now faces a criminal case for reckless and negligent driving.

This was not a freak accident. It was entirely preventable. It exposes the dangers of long-distance transport and live export by sea, which the NSPCA has long opposed.

Our Inspector, Kabelo Ditlhanke, worked through the night with authorities to assess the surviving animals, who were then transported back to the feedlot.

Sadly, the suffering of the survivors continues, as they face another long and arduous journey again, over land and seas to a tragic death.

These cattle are not just casualties, they are the collateral of an industry that values profit over welfare.

The NSPCA remains committed to challenging this trade and defending those who cannot speak for themselves.

Last weekend, the NSPCA was called to poultry farms near Delmas, Mpumalanga, where we uncovered horrific suffering.

Hundreds of housands of chickens were starving without food or care. Desperate birds mistook footsteps for feeding time, pecking at our Inspectors’ boots. Many lay crushed or gasping beneath others, severely underweight and weak.

Inside the sheds, the scenes were gut-wrenching. Chickens with exposed intestines ran blindly, while others fed on the wounds of their pen-mates.

It was more than neglect. It was outright torment.

Despite a previous intervention in February 2025, nothing had changed. Our Inspectors spent the entire week culling hundreds of thousands of birds who were beyond saving. It was the only way to end their unbearable suffering.

We are laying criminal charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 against those responsible. But we cannot do this alone.

The NSPCA relies on public support to respond to crises like this. Fuel, equipment, staff, and swift action require resources.

Please, stand with us. This is not farming. It’s cruelty, and we won’t stop fighting it.

Your Voice on Social Media:

• “It is time the public stood up and demanded change for animals.” – Facebook/Glynis Charmaine Marais
• “This is absolutely shocking!” – Instagram/@bushlizzard
• “Thank you. 🙏” – LinkedIn/Jacqui Thompson

Teams from SPCAs across Gauteng rally together to end the suffering of hundreds of thousands of starving chickens in Delmas

We often face criticism of our work, despite our tireless efforts to combat animal cruelty.

Our work involves intense emotional and physical challenges, from late-night case preparations to challenging inspections.

We’re not a high-powered organisation. We’re just dedicated individuals who sacrifice personal comfort to fight for animals’ justice in a system that often fails them.

Despite often feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced, we remain committed to our mission. We understand the public’s frustration but ask for empathy and understanding.

Our motivation stems from a deep love for animals and a relentless drive to make a difference, even when it seems our efforts are never enough.

We deeply appreciate those that support our cause. Every voice counts. Every cent makes a difference.

South Africans celebrated its workforce on 01 May 2025. At the same time, we paused on Workers’ Day to honour the unsung heroes with hooves and paws, those patrol dogs, mounted horses, and other animals who serve alongside humans to protect and assist.

Brave, loyal, and tireless, they are part of the team, even if their contributions often go unrecognised.

The NSPCA supports working animals, provided their welfare comes first. This includes sufficient rest, humane training, care, and dignity on and off duty. Every worker, no matter the species, deserves protection, respect, and compassion.

We hope you had a restful Worker’s Day!

Remember, you can access the full articles on our website and you can let us know what you think on our social media pages.

📲 Join our WhatsApp channel for on-the-go newsbytes.

Your support helps us continue making a difference for animals – whether by sharing our updates, raising awareness, or donating to our cause. See you next Sunday for another Week in Review!