Foul conditions at poultry farm exposed (graphic images)

SHOCKING details about the deplorable conditions at a poultry farm in Assagay have surfaced after an inspection of the premises was conducted by the SPCA.

According to a media statement issued by the Kloof and Highway SPCA, the farm consists of four chicken houses, each containing 11 500 birds. On arrival, inspectors were greeted with the smell of rotting flesh and carcasses.

During the inspection, inspectors had to wade through the build-up of chicken faeces in their gumboots as they searched for sick and injured birds. Thirty-eight birds were found buried in the faeces on the floor, unable to access food and water, and they were either drowning in faeces or starving to death.

More than 100 dead birds were found among the live birds.  Many of the carcasses were left for an extended period of time on the premises. The State Veterinary Services and the Health Department were called in to conduct an assessment of the facility.

Concerns were raised about the hygiene and cleanliness (biosecurity) of the farm, which can lead to the spread of diseases between animals and people.

“We understand that these birds are production animals, and that the aim of the business is to make money. What I find disgraceful is that the staff continue to collect eggs, walking past dead and dying chickens, ensuring that the farmer continues to make his profit, while animals suffer.” said Cheri Cooke, manager of the inspectorate department.

Barbara Patrick from the Kloof and Highway SPCA said, “We appeal to the public to make informed choices when spending their hard-earned money. We urge you to make the humane choice and purchase free range eggs. The conditions at the farm fall far below the minimum standards of the South African Poultry Association’s codes of practice.”

The state prosecutor has been informed of the findings, and a case of animal cruelty will be opened in terms of the Animals Protection Act no 71 of 1962.