Latest news with #NationalCouncilofSPCAs
Daily Maverick
22-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
‘Reprehensible failure' — NSPCA files criminal charges against Daybreak Farms directors
The National Council of SPCAs has filed criminal charges against the board of directors of Daybreak Farms, following what it describes as one of the largest and most disturbing cases of animal cruelty in South African history. More than one million chickens died or suffered prolonged distress at Daybreak Farms amid what officials are calling a systemic collapse in basic animal care. The charges come after weeks of high-profile legal action, public outcry and disturbing revelations from multiple investigations into the company's broiler operations. The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) now seeks criminal accountability for what it describes as 'a grave and morally reprehensible failure'. The council's senior inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, who heads the Farm Animal Protection Unit, said the law compels the NSPCA to value every 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.' According to the NSPCA's formal statement released on Friday, on-site investigations revealed chickens suffering in scenes reminiscent of disaster zones: birds cannibalising one another, open wounds left untreated and animals too weak to move. The scale of neglect was matched only by the visible breakdown in operational control across Daybreak facilities. Photos taken during inspections – now widely circulated online – depict rows of emaciated birds crammed into overcrowded sheds, some lying motionless, others pecking desperately at carcasses. The NSPCA's evidence dossier reportedly contains documentation of mass starvation events, inadequate or absent veterinary oversight and intentional inhumane culling methods. 'This is not misfortune,' said one official. 'It's systemic abuse.' Court steps in On 23 May 2025, the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg made an interim order compelling Daybreak to comply with urgent animal welfare directives. 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.' The court cited 'financial mismanagement of the available funds' by the company's leadership. As part of the judgment, Daybreak was ordered to cease inhumane culling immediately, provide adequate nutrition to all remaining birds, halt all new chick placements until the NSPCA deemed conditions appropriate and provide inspectors with full access and a comprehensive resolution plan. Despite the ruling, the NSPCA has warned that meaningful accountability remains elusive. Though the court awarded legal costs in their favour, the organisation now fears it may never recover those funds: shortly after the judgment, Daybreak announced it was entering voluntary business rescue proceedings. Business rescue In the eyes of many observers, Daybreak's move into business rescue – a legal process similar to bankruptcy protection – only deepened concerns over the company's transparency and financial conduct. As reported by Daily Maverick on 23 May, Daybreak's sudden shift into business rescue raised red flags about possible attempts to shield decision-makers from the full financial fallout of the crisis. The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which owns a controlling stake in Daybreak, faced mounting pressure to explain how such a collapse was allowed to unfold on its watch. Daybreak's financial woes appear deeply intertwined with the animal welfare catastrophe. Feed shortages, for example, were not caused by logistical blockages but, according to the NSPCA, by a failure to allocate sufficient funds for procurement. As a result, birds were left to starve, and workers were forced to cull tens of thousands of chicks without the tools or training to do so humanely. Human costs Beyond the birds, human suffering has also come into focus. Daily Maverick's reporting from early May included interviews with Daybreak workers at its Delmas operation, who described despair, intimidation and, in some cases, retaliation for speaking out. Some workers at the farm told Daily Maverick they lack the necessary farming experience to help save the company. One employee told us: 'We didn't even know what to say anymore. You can't just keep quiet when you see animals suffering like this. But when we tried to raise it, it was like nobody at the top was listening.' Amid the scandal, board chairperson Bojane Segooa resigned and reportedly received a R625,000 payout. The timing of her departure – days after the high court's intervention – fuelled public anger. Though a new board has since been installed, many within the NSPCA and broader civil society remain sceptical that meaningful reform will occur. A crisis of governance Daybreak's collapse is more than an isolated corporate disaster – it is also a test of South Africa's welfare regulatory and enforcement systems. The NSPCA, which receives no government funding, has now spent more than R580,000 responding to the Daybreak emergency. These costs include transport, shelter setup, biosecurity measures and extensive staff hours. The organisation says it will continue to work with the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure criminal charges are pursued. However, without government support or clear political backing, the path to justice remains uncertain. 'This cannot be swept under the rug,' said one inspector involved in the case. 'We are talking about a million sentient beings who suffered because no one took responsibility. If there are no consequences for this, what does that say about the value we place on life?' Public response Civil society organisations have begun to mobilise around the case. An open letter signed by 16 conservation and food justice groups was delivered to the agriculture minister last week, demanding that the state undertake a full audit of Daybreak's practices and provide emergency support to the NSPCA. The letter warns that, if ignored, 'this crisis will repeat itself – not just at Daybreak, but across an industry where enforcement is weak, funding is scarce and animals are treated as numbers on a balance sheet'. For the NSPCA, the criminal charges represent a turning point. After weeks of being on the defensive – rushing from farm to farm, providing aid to surviving animals and navigating legal landmines – it now seeks to push the matter into the courts. 'We owe it to these animals,' said Appalsamy. 'We owe it to the public. And we owe it to the future of farming in this country.' DM
IOL News
20-06-2025
- IOL News
NSPCA takes action against Daybreak Farms over horrific mass animal welfare violations
NSPCA has laid criminal charges over 'million-bird massacre' at Daybreak Farms. Image: File The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has laid criminal charges against the board of directors of Daybreak Farms, following what it has called one of South Africa's worst recorded mass animal welfare disasters, with over a million chickens dead or dying under alleged inhumane and unlawful conditions. The NSPCA confirmed on Thursday it had filed a criminal docket with police, accusing the poultry producer's leadership of gross negligence, systemic mismanagement, and multiple violations of the Animal Protection Act. In a damning statement, the organisation said its inspectors uncovered 'overwhelming evidence' of a total collapse in animal care across multiple Daybreak facilities. Chickens were allegedly found starving, suffering from untreated injuries, and in some cases, resorting to cannibalism due to extreme overcrowding and prolonged neglect. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'The law compels us to value every single animal individually,' said Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, manager of the NSPCA's Farm Animal Protection Unit. 'To witness the suffering of one animal multiplied by a million is not just a disaster, it's a grave and morally reprehensible failure.' Site visits by the NSPCA were described as harrowing. Inspectors reported scenes of mass death, with birds dying slow, painful deaths, others lying with gaping wounds, and many unable to move. The organisation has described the situation as a 'massacre'. The criminal complaint follows a recent Gauteng High Court ruling that made final an urgent interim order against Daybreak Farms. The court found that the company's leadership had 'failed in their legal duty of care' and cited 'financial mismanagement of the available funds,' which endangered the lives of the animals in their possession. 'The urgency arose from Daybreak's failure to care for the chickens in their possession,' the ruling stated. The final court order compels Daybreak to stop all inhumane culling, provide adequate feed and veterinary care, halt new chick placements unless the NSPCA deems it safe, and grant full access to its facilities for compliance monitoring. The company was also ordered to pay the NSPCA's legal costs. However, efforts to enforce the court's directives have been complicated by a new development. On May 20, 2025, Daybreak voluntarily entered business rescue proceedings, a move the NSPCA fears could obstruct both enforcement and the recovery of more than R580,000 it spent on emergency operations. 'This is not only a legal and ethical failure, but also a financial one,' said the NSPCA. 'Despite a High Court ruling in our favour, our ability to recover costs has been compromised by Daybreak's sudden entry into business rescue.' In response, Daybreak Foods issued a media statement confirming the appointment of veteran restructuring specialist Tebogo Maoto as its Senior Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP). Maoto, formally appointed on May 22, has been tasked with stabilising operations and developing a turnaround strategy. Daybreak's interim board chairperson, Dr Charlotte Nkuna, said: 'We welcome the appointment of the BRP as part of a collective effort, together with the Public Investment Corporation, to rescue the company and save approximately 2,800 jobs.' Under Section 133 of the Companies Act, Daybreak now benefits from a temporary legal moratorium that protects it from enforcement actions, while the BRP and board prepare a rescue plan addressing its financial crisis. The NSPCA, which depends on public donations and limited funding, is now appealing for urgent financial support to continue its monitoring and legal efforts. Operational costs continue to mount as inspectors remain on-site to oversee animal welfare and ensure compliance with the court's directives. 'We urgently appeal to the public, the private sector, and compassionate individuals to assist us in holding Daybreak accountable and in preventing further suffering,' the organisation said. Daybreak, once considered one of the country's leading poultry producers, has yet to respond publicly to the NSPCA's criminal allegations.
eNCA
06-06-2025
- eNCA
NSPCA investigating viral video of emaciated dog
JOHANNESBURG - The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has confirmed that it is investigating a viral video showing a woman dancing in front of a severely emaciated dog -- a clip that has sparked widespread outrage. The NSPCA told eNCA that its Special Projects Unit has launched a formal investigation and is working to verify key details. 'At this stage, we are confident that we've identified the individual and can now focus on the location of the animal,' the organisation said. The dog's condition has raised serious welfare concerns. 'As the video is very short, it is difficult to assess the animal's overall welfare, but there are concerns about, at least, the animal being emaciated,' the NSPCA said. — Random Pictures (@Random_Picx) June 3, 2025 If it finds sufficient evidence of contraventions under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, charges will be laid. 'Should there be evidence, beyond reasonable doubt, that contraventions… have been committed, charges will be laid,' the NSPCA confirmed. Because the video was originally shared by a third party, investigators have had to trace its source -- a task made more difficult by the nature of social media virality. 'Investigations of this nature are extremely challenging as we first need to determine the source (person) of the video, then their location and/or identity,' the NSPCA explained. It says it prioritises education in most cases, but will seek a warrant to remove an animal if it is clear that neglect is intentional or that an animal is suffering without intervention. 'When it is apparent that there was wilful neglect … or being aware that the animal is suffering and not taking any reasonable steps to remedy the situation, we may apply for a warrant to seize the animal,' the organisation stated. The NSPCA has urged South Africans to report suspected animal cruelty directly to authorities, rather than simply resharing disturbing content online. 'It is always difficult if people reshare content, because the virality often benefits the initial poster, instead of ensuring that the animal cruelty issue is addressed,' the organisation said. They also encouraged members of the public to act quickly when they see signs of abuse or neglect. 'We've always said that the public are our eyes and ears… We urge the public to report anything they suspect — rather safe than sorry.'
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Daybreak Foods workers call for management overhaul amid financial turmoil
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has obtained an urgent court order against Daybreak Foods, compelling the company to cease inhumane culling practices and provide adequate care for hundreds of thousands of breeder birds at risk of starvation and suffering. Image: NSPCA Banele Ginidza Workers at Daybreak Foods' farms have laid down a series of demands that centre on the immediate termination of Chief People Officer Tshepo Yvonne Mosadi's contract, alongside a comprehensive overhaul of the company's board and management structure. This demand comes as the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) on Friday injected a further R74 million into the embattled farming establishment in a bid to pay for outstanding salaries for April, buy chicken feed supplies, and for specific essential operational expenses. The R74m, which is part of the R250m financial support requested by Daybreak in February, was initially earmarked for capital expenditure. On Friday, the Daybreak Workers Union issued a letter detailing their demands and expressed deep concerns over past management practices. "To avoid suffering the same fate, we are eliminating that risk, and avoiding the new cash injection falling into the same hands that have already proven to be incapable and incompetent to run and manage the establishment," read the letter, which was seen by Business Report. Workers also voiced multiple grievances, including the accounting methods related to overtime, delays in payment of May salaries, and inadequate provisions for Personal Protective Clothing (PPE). Further, there were calls for revisions in production pauses to ensure better working conditions, alongside critical changes to the slaughter culture that could impact both worker safety and animal welfare. Mosadi, a nominee for the Chief Human Resources Officer Awards in 2023, has faced backlash, accused by workers of being disconnected from their plight. Sources indicate that the PIC, which recently authorised a R100 million emergency fund known as the "Sunday Account," aims to address the immediate liquidity needs that have left workers and the company in a precarious situation. This emergency fund, confirmed on Thursday and Friday, is a part of the overall financial package being arranged by the PIC. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Though the PIC on Friday announced the decision to provide immediate financial support to Daybreak Foods, it reiterated that the board and management of Daybreak Foods remained responsible and accountable for the company's operations and finances. "The PIC is strengthening the board and assisting it to strengthen management to help to bring stability to the company and to resume normal operations," said the PIC. "Daybreak's leadership is tasked to develop and implement a turnaround strategy and a credible turnaround plan to ensure long- term sustainability and growth, including how the company intends to avert job losses and safeguard the welfare of the livestock." Meanwhile, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) on Saturday obtained an urgent court order against Daybreak Foods, compelling the company to cease inhumane culling practices and provide adequate care for hundreds of thousands of breeder birds at risk of starvation and suffering. This followed a catastrophic welfare emergency currently unfolding at two of Daybreak's breeder farms in Bela-Bela and Mookgopong. An estimated 594 000 birds are at immediate risk of starvation, suffering from cannibalism, injuries, and prolonged neglect due to insufficient feeding and inhumane culling practices. According to a whistleblower report, the upheaval at the company stems from Daybreak's attempt to remove the PIC as mandate holder and appoint a private entity specialising in investors mandates. The report revealed that the PIC acts only as an investor mandate holder on behalf of these shareholders, not as a direct shareholder with the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the Compensation Fund (CF), each holding 33.3% of the entity. The complications have disrupted normal governance, with no Annual General Meetings (AGMs) convened since 2021 and a shocking turnover of four CEOs in merely four years — a clear reflection of governance failures. A whistleblower report has drawn attention to inadequate board oversight, failure to exercise diligent oversight of executive decisions, absence of consequence management enabled unchecked misconduct, deficiencies in fiscal management created vulnerabilities for mismanagement.
IOL News
26-04-2025
- IOL News
Urgent reforms needed in South Africa's captive lion industry following cruelty conviction
The NSPCA discovered lions in various stages of starvation on a farm in the Free State. The owner has been convicted on charges of animal cruelty. Image: Supplied Animal welfare organisation Four Paws South Africa is urging the government to expedite the implementation of the phase-out plan of the captive lion industry following the conviction of Professor Thabo Masihlelo for starving the lions on his farm in the Free State. The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) issued a statement this week announcing that Masihlelo had been convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to a R5,000 fine or 10 months' imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years on condition that he does not re-offend. In 2023, the NSPCA's Wildlife Protection Unit (WPU) conducted an inspection at Masihlelo's farm in Tweeling, where they discovered several lions in varying stages of starvation. 'Although Masihlelo claimed to breed captive lions under the guise of supporting conservation efforts in South Africa, he had failed to meet even the most basic requirement of feeding the animals. Lions, severely emaciated with visible ribs, spines, and hip bones, were left to endure prolonged starvation,' said the NSPCA. Four Paws said South Africa has been a significant player in the global big cat industry, with an estimated 8,000 lions held in captivity across approximately 300 facilities. These lions are often bred for profit-driven activities, including cub petting, trophy hunting, and the export of body parts for traditional medicine. In 2021, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) announced its intent to phase out the captive lion industry. Daniels said while this was a commendable step, progress has been slow, and the lack of swift action continues to endanger the welfare of thousands of lions and other big cats. She said this conviction emphasises the urgent need for comprehensive reform in South Africa's captive lion industry. 'This case is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of systemic issues within the commercial breeding and exploitation of big cats. None of these captive-bred animals will be released into the wild to help wild populations; therefore, they are not a true conservation effort,' she said. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate oversight and the importance of genuine conservation efforts that prioritise animal welfare and animals in the wild, she warned. 'While this conviction is a significant step in acknowledging the gravity of animal cruelty in South Africa, we believe the penalties imposed do not yet reflect the serious nature of the suffering endured by these animals,' stated Daniels. She said the discovery of starving lions in such conditions is not only a breach of ethical responsibility but a blatant violation of South Africa's animal protection laws. 'We call for stricter penalties and the consistent enforcement of the Animal Protection Act to ensure that such cruelty is met with consequences that act as both a deterrent and a form of justice for the animals affected,' she said. Describing what these lions had to endure, Daniels said the level of starvation indicated their prolonged suffering. 'In cases of extreme malnutrition, lions experience significant muscle wasting, weakened immune systems, and organ failure. The physical deterioration is accompanied by immense psychological distress, as these sentient beings suffer from hunger, pain, and the inability to engage in natural behaviours,' she said. The NSPCA discovered lions in various stages of starvation on a farm in the Free State. The owner has been convicted on charges of animal cruelty. Image: Supplied Four Paws advised that if circumstances prevent proper care, there are established avenues to safeguard the lions' welfare, including voluntary exit from the captive lion industry, surrender to legitimate sanctuaries, as well as collaboration with authorities and NGOs. 'Neglecting the care of captive lions is unacceptable. Four Paws urges all individuals and facilities to proactively seek assistance and utilise available programmes to ensure the humane treatment of these animals.' Daniels said the organisation continues to urge the government to implement meaningful reform, including the full phasing out of the commercial captive lion breeding industry, as announced in the 2021 Ministerial report, and to include all big cats in the phase-out. 'The protection of South Africa's wildlife heritage must go hand in hand with animal welfare. Only through stronger legal frameworks and enforcement, as well as stricter penalties for cruelty, can we hope to see real change for animals in South Africa,' she stated.
