Animals are not receiving their full ration of food. File picture: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has called out the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for cost containment measures that have led to animals not having enough to eat.
The organisation said animals are kept at 21 of the country’s agricultural correctional centres.
“These animals, including pigs, dairy cattle, poultry, equine used in mounted units, and dogs in the Department’s canine units, are now facing critical food shortages,” the NSPCA said.
It said a meeting was secured with the national and Gauteng Regional Departments on March 10, after two postponements by DCS.
“During this meeting cost-containment measures (or ‘budget-cuts’ in laymen’s terms) were formally acknowledged. The National Director for Production Workshops and Agriculture within the Department, Elizabeth Lupele, expressed distress over the dire lack of feed at Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre earlier this month, stating that she personally witnessed pigs screaming, which she described as ‘traumatising to me personally’,” the NSPCA said.
The organisation said inspections across the country confirmed these concerns. It said animals are receiving insufficient and inappropriate feed, which is being rationed due to shortages.
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“Previously, pigs were fed species-specific food twice daily, but they are now receiving a diluted mixture of the limited stock only once a day,” the NSPCA said.
Correctional Centres keep farm animals primarily to produce food for inmates.
“Currently, for example, Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre houses approximately 1,500 pigs. Their plan is to slaughter only 60 pigs per day. A simple solution exists: the Department must immediately reduce its livestock numbers in accordance with the available feed supply,” the NSPCA said.
It expressed deep concern for the estimated one million animals housed in agricultural correctional facilities, who are suffering under the pretext of cost-containment—animals that rely entirely on human care for their welfare.
“The Minister of Correctional Services must intervene urgently to ensure that this issue is addressed on a national level, failing which all animals should be removed. Either way, those responsible for the neglect and suffering of animals will be held accountable,” the NSPCA warned.
DCS responded by stating it acknowledged the concerns raised and said it would like to provide clarity on the situation and outline the steps taken to address these concerns.
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It said DCS remains committed to upholding humane and ethical treatment standards for all animals under its care.
“It is important to emphasise that budgetary constraints do not equate to neglect. DCS has had to implement budget adjustments while ensuring the continued functionality of critical operations. While challenges have arisen in certain centres, the Department has already implemented corrective measures to address shortages in animal feed,” it said.
The department also confirmed its engagement with the NSPCA to address the identified challenges.
The department said National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale conducted assessments at facilities such as Baviaanspoort, Sevontein, and other agricultural centres to ensure that the Department not only responds to reported challenges but also implements lasting solutions to sustain and strengthen these facilities.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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