The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has laid criminal charges against the Board of Directors of Daybreak Farms following the large-scale animal welfare disaster that has captured global attention. In this catastrophic failure that has sent shockwaves throughout the world, more than one million birds were subjected to extreme neglect, resulting in widespread suffering and death.
Following extensive on-site investigations, the NSPCA uncovered overwhelming evidence of gross negligence, systemic mismanagement, and a complete abdication of responsibility by Daybreak’s leadership. These failures were not only inhumane but criminal in nature, prompting the NSPCA to take legal action. We will now work closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to pursue justice on behalf of the animals that suffered.
Manager of the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit, Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, comments that: “The law compels us to value every single animal individually. To witness the suffering of one animal multiplied by a million is not just a disaster – it’s a grave and morally reprehensible failure.”
The scenes of birds suffering tremendously – left in excruciating pain from cannibalising each other, surviving with large gaping wounds, and those too weak to move – remain etched into the hearts of people all over the world.
On 23 May 2025, the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg confirmed its interim order against Daybreak Farms, making it final. In a scathing ruling, the Court stated:
“The urgency was necessitated by the collapse of Daybreak’s responsibility to appropriately care for the chickens in their possession and under their control,” further citing “financial mismanagement of the available funds” by the company’s leadership.
The court order compels Daybreak to cease inhumane culling, ensure proper nutrition for all animals, halt chick placements until the NSPCA is satisfied that the birds can be properly cared for, provide the NSPCA with a resolution plan, allow us full access to facilities, and cover the NSPCA’s legal costs.
Despite this significant High Court victory, the NSPCA faces severe financial losses. Over R580,000 on operational costs has already been spent responding to the Daybreak crisis, with costs continuing to escalate. Although the High Court awarded legal costs in the NSPCA’s favour, our ability to recover those funds has been severely compromised: Daybreak Farms has since placed itself into voluntary business rescue – a move that raises serious concerns about financial accountability and our ability to recoup the court-ordered costs.
As a non-profit organisation reliant on public support, the NSPCA cannot shoulder this burden alone. We urgently appeal to the public, private sector, and compassionate individuals to assist us in holding Daybreak accountable and in preventing further suffering.
Immediate financial support is critical to continue our fight for the animals who have no voice, ensuring they receive the care, protection, and justice they deserve.
Donations to support our work can be made via our website, or by EFT to:
Standard Bank Account: 220 639 744, Branch Code: 051 001
If you are as passionate about animals and their well-being as we are, consider supporting our causes by donating.
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