According to the NSPCA (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) it was alerted to a plot in the Ventersdorp area where thousands of chickens that were allegedly left to starve without food or water at a government-funded farming project.

The NSPCA immediately dispatched officers of the Carletonville SPCA, as they are the closest branch to Ventersdorp. Carletonville SPCA Inspector Ms Elloise Rootman attended to the call and was shocked to discover the decaying carcasses of over 4 000 chickens on 6 March. She found only 19 chickens were found alive.

The poor birds were however dehydrated and starving. The chickens were taken to the Carletonville SPCA where they received food, water and the necessary veterinary attention. Carletonville SPCA intends on opening a case of animal cruelty, and is in the process of trying to determine who will be held accountable for the suffering of the animals.

The NSPCA thanked the Carletonville SPCA for their assistance with this case, and the hard work they put into rescuing and fighting for justice for these sentient beings.