The National Animal Protection Association (NDPA) warns that thousands of farm animals at correctional centers across South Africa are again at risk due to a serious shortage of suitable feed – barely a year after similar problems were already reported.
According to Samanta Stelli, spokesperson for the NDPV, the organization has now stepped up its intervention to ministerial level after several correctional centers failed to provide adequate, species-specific nutrition to animals.
“We already intervened in March last year at several facilities where animals were not fed at all. Assurances were then given that emergency measures would be introduced to prevent a recurrence, but inspections now show that the same problems are cropping up again,” says Stelli.
The NDPCA and local animal protection associations have carried out regular inspections at correctional centers over the past year to monitor animal welfare.
According to Stelli, early signs of feed shortages were already identified during these visits.
“We informed the relevant authorities, including the minister and the national commissioner, about the risks in a timely manner. However, to date we have not received any response or confirmation of effective intervention.”
In some cases, inspectors from the NDPV and local associations had to euthanize animals to prevent further suffering.
“It is always a last resort. However, when animals are not fed and their condition rapidly deteriorates, we have a legal and moral duty to end unnecessary suffering,” says Stelli.
Information provided to the NDPCA indicates that budget constraints and failures in the procurement process are the main causes of the crisis.
“The inability to purchase sufficient and timely feed has direct consequences for animals that are completely dependent on state care.”
She emphasizes that the failure to properly care for animals is a breach of the Animal Protection Act (Act 71 of 1962).
“Failure to provide adequate nutrition and care is not only negligent – it is illegal.”
The NDPCA appealed to the Minister of Correctional Services and the National Commissioner to urgently intervene and ensure that all facilities comply with legal requirements.
“The continued disregard for animal welfare under state care raises serious concerns about accountability and compliance within government institutions. If necessary, we will take legal action to prevent further suffering and to ensure that there is accountability for the treatment of animals in terms of South African law.”