NSPCA LODGES A HIGH COURT APPLICATION AGAINST THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE TO PREVENT THE EXPORT OF LIVE ANIMALS BY SEA An urgent High Court Application is being brought against the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in the Grahamstown High Court on Wednesday 21 August 2013. Additional Respondents include the Registrar of Animal Improvement at DAFF, the MEC for the Department of Agriculture in the Eastern Cape and Trustees of the Page Farming Trust. This unprecedented step has been taken by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) to prevent what has become known as a “Ship of Shame” taking live animals from South Africa for slaughter in Mauritius. The NSPCA has long opposed the export of live animals for slaughter, considering the practice to be archaic and cruel. The practice was exposed on two occasions on the MNET actuality programme CARTE BLANCHE when stark footage of the harsh reality and the suffering of animals was broadcast, on both occasions to a public outcry. There are alternates. Exporting meat rather than live animals is preferable. The NSPCA reacted to information received that a ship – The Barkly Pearl - is on its way to East London, to be loaded with cattle destined for Mauritius. As the voice of reason and compassion has failed, ground-breaking legal action is the recourse now being taken by the NSPCA. Appreciation is expressed to Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa for their work, and financial support, and also to Activists for Animals Africa, Animal Allies and Community Led Animal Welfare. “We took this route to prevent suffering,” explained NSPCA Executive Director Marcelle Meredith. Over and above the “travelling time”, it can take two days to load the animals and two days to off-load them. There is no guarantee how long vessels will be at sea. There can be breakdowns, including generator failure, which cause delays, as well as the effect of inclement weather and rough seas. Delays can result in food running out and animals dying of starvation. Feed and water shortages may occur as an insufficient amount may have been loaded or – as has happened – food becomes contaminated with sea water/spray. It is also difficult to feed and water the animals when seas are rough.” During the transportation, the animals are kept in a totally artificial environment and are affected by the air, temperature, lighting, and motion. The ventilation and temperature are regulated on board the vessel and are not necessarily effective or correct. During rough seas it is very likely that animals may slip, fall and become injured. The animals also suffer severely from motion sickness. The build up of faeces and urine especially below deck leads to conditions becoming slippery for the animals as well as ammonia levels increasing which leads to breathing-related problems
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:42:35 +0000
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