CLUCKING HORRIFIC
NSPCA to lay charges against state-owned poultry producers after mass culling
WHAT THE CLUCK?: Over 100 NSPCA staff and volunteers were called in to assist
Image: NSPCA
THE National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is planning to lay criminal charges against state-owned Daybreak Foods after the culling of over 350 000 chickens.
On Wednesday, April 30, the NSPCA was alerted to the dire situation of 200 000 birds at a Daybreak contract grower who was without feed for days, resulting in mass cannibalism.
On 1 May, Daybreak Foods corresponded with the NSPCA and revealed they were no longer able to supply feed and authorised the organisation to dispose of the chickens.
Over 100 NSPCA staff and volunteers were called in to assist.
The NSPCA adds: “In the days following, more farms were uncovered with shocking cruelty and starvation. The mass culling began on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and continued until May 5, 2025.
“Since 1 May 2025, the NSPCA has rescued and placed over 500 000 birds on rearing farms. With the assistance of a producer, these birds received suitable feed after being denied food for several days.
“Unfortunately, over 350 000 birds from various farms could not be salvaged and had to be humanely culled.
“The NSPCA will be initiating criminal charges under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 against Daybreak’s Board of Directors.”
“Rather than taking accountability, Daybreak chose to wash its hands of the crisis, dumping the responsibility onto the NSPCA.”