In celebration of International Respect for Chickens Month, local advocates against animal cruelty, Midrand SPCA calls on Midrand residents to bring change and make a difference by curbing animal cruelty.
The event is commemorated throughout the month of May, since its launch by non-profit group United Poultry Concerns in 2005.
Pamela Pretorius, the general manager for the Midrand SPCA, said the month celebrates chickens throughout the world and protests their suffering and abuse in agri-business, experimental research, cockfighting, and other cruelties.
Pretorius added that as an organisations that represents the rights of animals among other duties, Midrand SPCA staff members stand in solidarity with this cause throughout the month. She said they hope to create an awareness around the heart-breaking treatment that some chickens experience in various farming practices, hawking sites and abattoirs.
She said that she is lovingly known as the ‘chicken lady’ in Midrand because of her constant battle to ensure these animals are treated with respect, kindness and given the opportunity to live a cruelty-free life.
She said that many chickens are still confined to cages with limited space, food and shelter from the elements or water. “They are subjected to inhumane handling, no access to veterinary treatment when required or allowed to express their natural behaviour.”
She added, “Over the past few years, we have worked tirelessly to make their voices heard through our pro-active inspections and although our work for the chickens is never done, we are happy to see many improvements that have been made since our interventions, warnings issued, illegal abattoirs being shut down and education being applied.”
She noted that on 8 May, the Midrand SPCA had to attend to an accident on Dale Road in Glen Austin that involved chickens. Pretorius said they found 24 chickens in total which were not transported safely. Some were found in the passenger side of the vehicle, back of the bakkie in a bag and underneath the vehicle before they removed the chickens from the vehicle.
She said that six emergency slaughters had to be made and eight of the chickens died on arrival at the SPCA. She said that 10 more chickens had to be put down at the society due to injuries.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s spokesperson Wayne Minnaar confirmed the fatal accident and said that it had occurred between a truck and another vehicle transporting chickens. “The driver transporting chickens died, and a charge of culpable homicide will be investigated against the other driver.”
Pretorius concluded that community members could assist them in many ways. “By reporting any cruelty that you see, reducing the consumption of poultry products and by doing your research by checking where your chicken products such as meat and eggs come from and to make the choice to purchase ethically, we all can make a difference.”
Details: Midrand SPCA 011 265 9935.
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