The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has escalated its intervention to the Minister of Correctional Services and the National Commissioner following failures at multiple agricultural correctional centres across South Africa to provide adequate, species-specific feed to animals in their care.
During March 2025, the NSPCA intervened at several correctional facilities where farm animals were not being fed due to reported budget constraints. Thousands of animals were affected, which required urgent engagement at Ministerial level. Assurances were given that contingency measures would be implemented to prevent a recurrence. One year later, inspections indicate that facilities have again failed to secure sufficient feed.
Over the past year, the NSPCA, together with local SPCAs, has conducted ongoing inspections at correctional facilities to monitor compliance and prevent suffering. These inspections identified early indicators of feed shortages. The NSPCA formally engaged with relevant functionaries, including the Minister and National Commissioner, with no response to the NSPCA’s enquiries. No effective intervention has been confirmed to date.
In certain cases, humane euthanasia was carried out by SPCA and NSPCA Inspectors to prevent further suffering.
Information provided to the NSPCA reveals that procurement failures linked to budget constraints have resulted in the inability to provide appropriate feed. The NSPCA is assessing these matters in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. Failure to provide adequate nutrition and care constitutes an offence under the Act.
The ongoing disregard for animal welfare under state care raises serious concerns about accountability and compliance within government structures.
The NSPCA calls on the Minister of Correctional Services and the National Commissioner to take immediate corrective action to ensure compliance with legal obligations. Where necessary, the NSPCA will pursue legal action to prevent further suffering and to ensure accountability for animal welfare under South African law.
The NSPCA calls on the Minister of Correctional Services and the National Commissioner to take immediate corrective action to ensure compliance with legal obligations. Where necessary, the NSPCA will pursue legal action to prevent further suffering and to ensure accountability for animal welfare under South African law.
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