Graphic content warning: Thousands of chickens starve to death in Delmas
“Bodies were torn open with exposed organs as hundreds of chickens, driven to desperation, had begun feeding on one another in a desperate attempt to survive.”
SPCA inspectors were confronted with a horrific scene in Delmas last week as countless chickens lay dying or critically injured.
“Bodies were torn open with exposed organs as hundreds of chickens, driven to desperation, had begun feeding on one another in an attempt to survive,” read a media statement released on February 4.
This horror scene followed after the SPCA, on the morning of February 3, received an anonymous complaint alleging that chickens had apparently been left without food.
“The contract grower farmer was at first unwilling to fully cooperate. He was unwilling to provide the necessary information required,” read the statement.
“No conclusive evidence was provided as to when the birds were last fed; however, it was divulged that the farm received only half of the scheduled delivery of chicken feed.
“The chickens were left without food for at least three days, possibly even five, resulting in the birds cannibalising each other and mortalities due to starvation.”
According to a media statement released by the Springs SPCA, it was evident that the chickens, driven to desperation, had begun feeding on one another to survive.
The SPCA further stated that over 4 000 chickens had to be destroyed by their team.
“This does not include the many others who had already succumbed to starvation and wounds.”
The inspectors have described this cruelty and suffering as one of the most distressing cases they have yet encountered.
“Beyond the immediate trauma of this tragic scene, the incident has forced the NSPCA to launch a countrywide inspection on all farms affiliated with the commercial producer.”
According to the Springs SPCA, a similar scene was found the next day, February 4, on yet another farm.
“More than 2 000 chickens had to be culled to prevent any further suffering. This critical response had placed immense financial strain on the organisation.”
Tersia Marshall, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson for Agricultural, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs in Mpumalanga, said that the party is deeply concerned about the devastating crisis unfolding in the province’s poultry industry.
“Daybreak Foods is contracted to supply chicken feed to poultry farmers around several South African provinces, including Limpopo and Mpumalanga,” stated Marshall.
“The DA is concerned at recent reports which allege that the company is failing to supply several farmers with chicken feed.
“This catastrophic loss reported in Delmas not only impacts the affected farmer but also signals a broader crisis that threatens to collapse the entire poultry sector in Mpumalanga,” Marshall also said.
Daybreak is also contracted to the Provincial Department of Agriculture to supply feed to several poultry farmers in the province.
“The alleged failure of this supplier to uphold its obligations would, if found to be true, place immense pressure on local poultry farmers, who are already struggling to sustain their businesses and livelihoods.”
The DA stated that they would urgently approach the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Nompumelelo Hlophe, to assess the scale of this brewing crisis and to intervene before more farmers suffer irreparable damage.
“If immediate action is not taken, Mpumalanga could face severe food security risks, job losses, and economic instability in the agricultural sector.”
According to Marshall, the DA call on the provincial department to investigate the reports surrounding this supply chain failure and to explore contingency plans to ensure that poultry farmers receive the necessary support.
For thousands of chickens, it is, however, too late.
The NSPCA is set to open a criminal case against all responsible stakeholders for contravening the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
“We will not rest until every individual responsible for this horrendous indifference to the suffering of these birds is identified and held accountable.”
Streeknews’ attempts to get in contact with a spokesperson from Daybreak Foods was, at the time of going to print, unsuccessful.
