NSPCA advocates for humane culling of poultry

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is promoting humane culling (reduction of a wild animal population by selective slaughter) of poultry populations and will not hesitate to prosecute those who resort to inhumane methods.

Manager of the Farm Animal Unit of the NSPCA, Nazareth Appalsamy, made it clear that the suffering of poultry such as chickens due to avian influenza is often overlooked, adding that the devastating virus does not only contribute to a loss of eggs but also the physical suffering in infected chickens.

According to Appalsamy, avian influenza causes severe respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing as well as symptoms like diarrhoea, decreased appetite, and dehydration.

“The pain and discomfort these birds endure are often hidden from the public eye but their unnecessary suffering is nonetheless real,” said Appalsamy.

She added that culling infected birds is the most effective method to prevent the spread of avian influenza within poultry populations, however, it is crucial to emphasise that humane methods must be employed during the culling process to minimise the suffering of the affected birds.

“The NSPCA strongly opposes inhumane methods being utilised to combat the virus like ventilation shutdown and forced moulting. The NSPCA will not hesitate to prosecute any person who resorts to such inhumane methods.”

According to Appalsamy, the NSPCA has formally addressed the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, and other key stakeholders, expressing grave concern over the government’s delay in authorising the importation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) vaccines.

The NSPCA claimed that they have actively engaged in the humane culling of poultry as the ongoing HPAI outbreaks continue to ravage poultry flocks across South Africa. The NSPCA has also aligned with the South African Veterinary Association and appeals to the government to expedite the evaluation for emergency importation of HPAI vaccines under section 21 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965 as well as facilitate swift local registration of these life-saving vaccines.

Inspector René van Straten from the Randwest SPCA has declared that the local SPCA agrees with the decisions of the NSPCA as they are one institute under the SPCA Act 169 of 1993. She added that the Randwest SPCA conducts routine inspections at facilities to ensure that the management upholds all regulations of animal safety.