Midrand SPCA is appealing to the community for donations of chicken feed after taking more than 500 chickens into its care following a joint operation over non-compliance and animal welfare concerns.

The chickens are currently being cared for by the society, which must ensure they receive adequate food while their welfare is attended to.

Read more: Midrand SPCA faces R250 000 monthly shortfall as demand grows

Citizen Relationship and Urban Management Region A coordinated the joint intervention with JMPD, Environmental Health and the SPCA in Ivory Park, addressing informal chicken trading concerns, public health, animal welfare and by-law compliance.

The unexpected responsibility has placed additional financial pressure on the organisation, which is calling on residents and businesses to help cover the cost of feeding the birds.

Midrand SPCA general manager and inspector Pam Pretorius said the chickens were not available for adoption and urged the public to assist through feed donations or financial contributions.

“Residents can assist by donating chicken feed. Make a monetary donation towards the cost of feed. Every donation makes a difference,” said Pretorius.

She stressed that the organisation’s intervention was guided by its responsibility to protect animals, regardless of their purpose or ownership.

“At Midrand SPCA, we do not see colour, race or social standing. We see animals who deserve to be treated with care, dignity and compassion. Our responsibility is to protect animals and ensure that their welfare is upheld, regardless of who owns them or what purpose they serve,” she said.

Pretorius acknowledged that some people depend on selling animals to earn an income and support their families, stating that the organisation did not intend to undermine their livelihoods. She clarified that the chickens were impounded by the JMPD, while Midrand SPCA was assisting by serving as the municipal pound and taking responsibility for their care.

According to Pretorius, the hawkers involved had received several warnings about non-compliance, but these were allegedly ignored.

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She said the SPCA’s work extended beyond impounding animals, with inspectors engaging communities, particularly at hawking sites, to educate sellers about animal welfare responsibilities and encourage compliance with relevant requirements. “Education, engagement and working with communities are therefore essential to creating lasting change.”

SPCA officials demonstrated chicken slaughter procedures to their trainees during the joint intervention.

However, Pretorius emphasised that animal welfare concerns could require further intervention when warnings and educational efforts failed to resolve the situation.

“Whether a chicken is kept as a pet, provides an income for a family, or is ultimately destined for someone’s dinner table, that animal deserves to be treated humanely throughout its life.”

The JMPD enforces street-trading and public-health by-laws regulating the sale of live and slaughtered chickens. According to the department, sellers must also comply with applicable animal-protection requirements, including South Africa’s Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, which protects animals against cruelty and unnecessary suffering.

Also read: Midrand SPCA calls for responsible pet ownership amid rising reports of cruelty

Concerns may arise where animals are kept in overcrowded conditions, deprived of food or water, or subjected to unnecessary suffering. Joint operations involving JMPD, health inspectors and the SPCA may result in animals being confiscated and impounded when welfare or compliance requirements are not met.

Live animals taken into custody are generally held at an appropriate pound while the relevant procedures are followed. Owners may be required to meet applicable requirements and pay impoundment fees to reclaim their animals within the prescribed period.

The SPCA said compassion for people and animals should go hand in hand, urging the community to support efforts to protect animal welfare while recognising the circumstances of those who rely on animal-related trading for their livelihoods.

To donate, visit www.midrandspca.co.za/payments

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