This week, our message is loud and clear: It’s Their Planet Too.
You’ll see this echoed in the powerful image below – a reminder that the Earth we share is not just for humans, but for every species that walks, swims, flies, or grazes upon it. The cruelty we’ve witnessed at Daybreak Farms is a tragic example of what happens when that truth is ignored. We urge you to read our urgent update below and consider supporting our recovery efforts after this devastating operation.
But it’s not all heartbreak. We also bring you an inspiring story from the front lines of donkey welfare, as we celebrate World Donkey Day with a heartfelt interview featuring Senior Inspector Matome Semenya.
Thank you for being part of a community that believes in justice, compassion, and a South Africa where animals are seen, heard, and protected.
Profit Over Lives: NSPCA Steps in as Daybreak Collapses, Leaving Animals to Die
“Suffering in Silence”: One of the hundreds of thousands of chickens at Daybreak Farms, suffering greatly from starvation and neglect.
The NSPCA launched emergency inspections at Daybreak Farms, uncovering mass neglect that led to the culling of over 350,000 starving birds. Daybreak – a state-funded company – failed to act, citing financial collapse and effectively abandoning animals to die without feed.
From 30 April to 5 May, over 75 NSPCA and SPCA staff and volunteers mobilised for a harrowing intervention, rescuing more than 500,000 birds and humanely euthanising those beyond help. At its worst, birds had been without food for over a week, with some sheds filled with unremoved carcasses.
As always, it was us – not the company responsible – who bore the weight of this crisis.
“This was one of the most emotionally and physically taxing operations our team has ever faced,” said Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, Manager of the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit. “We were not there to save lives; we were there to end suffering. And that breaks every one of us.”
Criminal charges under the Animals Protection Act will be pursued against Daybreak’s board.
We thank the Gauteng SPCAs for standing with us. When industrial farming turns its back, we step in – for the animals.
Justice will be sought. Compassion will not be silenced.
Please consider donating to help us recover from this large-scale disaster. Your support enables us to act when no one else will.
Your Voice on Social Media:
- “I feel so sorry for these animals, but also for SPCA staff who are always left to deal with other people’s mess. Shame on whoever is responsible for this!!!” – Facebook/Yenou Ceulaers Olderwagen
- “I cannot imagine how distressing this must have been on your staff. Thank you for stepping in.” – Facebook/Natascha Moore
- “Absolutely heartbreaking, soul shattering stuff. These poor inspectors. The poor chickens who resorted to eating each other alive. I am so sorry for them and sorry for each inspectors that had to endure this gut wrenching, horrific, multi day ordeal. This world is broken, beyond repair.” – Facebook/Shanti Chantelle
Photo of the Week: “Compassion in Action”
World Donkey Day: A Heartfelt Conversation with Senior Inspector Matome Semenya
For many communities, donkeys are more than animals, they are lifelines. From transporting water and firewood to carrying crops and people across tough terrain, donkeys play a vital role in daily survival.
In celebration of World Donkey Day, we sat down with Senior Inspector Matome Semenya, who leads our Donkey Upliftment Project, to hear what inspired his deep dedication to these hardworking animals. In this special feature, Mat shares stories from the field, the challenges donkeys face, and how you can help him continue this life-changing work.
We invite you to share in this heartfelt glimpse into the world of donkeys and those who protect them.
We invite you to share in this heartfelt glimpse into the world of donkeys and those who protect them.
That’s a wrap for this week’s Week in Review! If these stories resonated with you, check out the full articles and join the conversation on our social media pages.
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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!
If you are as passionate about animals and their well-being as we are, consider supporting our causes by donating.
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Will You Be the One Who Takes Action?
Most people will scroll past this. But will you be the one who stands up for animals?
Animal welfare isn’t always in the spotlight, but it changes lives – for every neglected, abused, or suffering animal we help. Our teams work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, ensuring animals across South Africa are protected.
This work is relentless. The challenges are immense. But with more hands, hearts, and resources, we can do even more.
The equation is simple: the more supporters we have, the greater our reach, the stronger our impact.
Be part of the change. Become an NSPCA Project Partner today. From just R50 per month, you can help ensure that no animal suffers in silence.
