Cape Town cattle ship: SPCA says they will not hesitate to prosecute
The SPCA has commented on the foul smell caused by the 19 000 animals discovered in a vessel docked at the Cape Town harbour.
The Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) says it will not hesitate to prosecute after 19 000 cows were discovered in a vessel docked in Cape Town.
An awful smell had engulfed Cape Town, and inspectors discovered that the smell came from an Al Kuwait vessel transporting live animals by sea destined for the Middle East.
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SPCA WEIGHS IN ON CAPE TOWN VESSEL WITH COWS
On Monday, Cape of Good Hope SPCA boarded the Al Kuwait live export vessel, from which a strong smell emanated from the harbor to the CBD.
The animal welfare society said the unbearable smell is the result of a build-up of faeces and ammonia and is just one of the awful conditions endured by animals destined for live export.
“The vessel departed Brazil on 10 February 2024 and is currently docked at the Cape Town Harbour to load feed for the animals before leaving for its intended destination in the Middle East.
“Typically, live export exposes animals to dangerous levels of ammonia, rough seas, extreme heat stress, injuries, dirty conditions, exhaustion, and even death, and in the cramped conditions, the disease can spread rapidly,” the SPCA explained.
INSPECTION ONGOING
In addition, the SPCA said its inspection is ongoing, and the team’s efforts to ensure the welfare of the cattle on board will continue until the ship leaves the harbour on Wednesday, 21 February.
Furthermore, the SPCA said concerns relating to inadequate hygiene and veterinary care are apparent, and they will not hesitate to prosecute if this becomes necessary.
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