NSPCA culls over 4,000 chickens after they were starved and started eating each other

The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has announced that it was forced to cull thousands of chickens on Gauteng's East Rand after receiving a disturbing anonymous tip-off.

The organisation's communication unit said that on the morning of February 3, inspectors received an anonymous report saying that chickens had been left without food for at least three days, potentially five, resulting in cannibalism and starvation deaths.

"Upon inquiry to the farm, which is a contract grower, 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.

"In yet another horrifying display of the utter disregard for the welfare of farm animals, the NSPCA and Springs SPCA were forced to intervene to prevent further suffering at two broiler farms in Delmas, where starving chickens had resorted to cannibalism," said the NSPCA.

The inspectors' efforts were originally greeted with opposition from the farm manager, who refused to fully participate with the inquiry by supplying the relevant information, explained the group.

"Once inside, the team was confronted with a horrifying scene: countless birds lay dying or critically injured, their bodies torn open with exposed organs. Hundreds of chickens, driven to desperation, had begun feeding on one another in their desperate attempt to survive. It was evident that these birds were suffering immensely."

More than 4,000 had to be humanely eliminated. This excludes the many more who had already died from starvation and wounds. Inspectors have termed this cruelty and suffering as one of the most upsetting incidents they have ever witnessed.

"The NSPCA will open a criminal case against all responsible stakeholders for contravening the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 for the extreme neglect and cruelty inflicted on these animals."

IOL