Unhygienic slaughter, mishandling of chickens a big issue with locals
Residents close to areas where the animals are kept and sold are unhappy about this free trade practice in open air.
POLOKWANE – The mishandling of chickens on pavements and in parks in the city is becoming a big issue for residents due to bad smells associated with these areas as well as it posing a health danger for those people who buy the chickens for food.
Residents close to areas where the animals are kept and sold are unhappy about this free trade practice in open air. According to residents in Ladanna, hawkers have taken up the selling of chickens in the open field between Buluwayo and Vermikuliet Streets.
Review spoke to a local chicken farmer about the conditions in which these chickens are kept
Daniël Bester explained chickens can become sick when they are kept in a poor conditions. “These animals when being treated badly develop illnesses. These diseases can even be infectious and cause other chickens to die after being infected while being cooped up in a small cage.”
When they are kept in a confined space they will peck at each other and fight. “These fights leave the birds injured and when the wounds are not treated they become infected. When the animals are not kept clean they also become a danger to people wanting to buy the animals.”
One of the issues with animals being kept in small spaces is the chicken excretion which piles up resulting in the building up of fumes becoming so strong it burns the eyes of the chickens. The birds also develop salmonella bacteria which stays on the birds after they have been killed and can cause a serious threat to the people consuming the meat.
Tania le Roux from the SPCA in Polokwane said the organisation can only become involved with regards to the welfare side of the animals
The inspector will check the well-being of the animals and if not in accordance with the Animals Protection Act 1962, will issue a warning for improvements or take legal action depending on the severity of the situation.
“All animals must have access to food, water and shelter, as well as medical care if sick or injured. In the case of slaughtered chickens this could cause emergency slaughter to prevent further suffering.” Le Roux explained.
She added the SPCA will also check the manner in which the chickens are transported, handled, housed, cared for and then slaughtered as all of these need to be done in accordance with the act and any relevant codes of practice.
In closing, she stated: “The fact the chickens are being slaughtered for consumption in an open field is a municipal health department issue and they should be involved in this side of the investigation. This entails various other acts and by-laws.”
Polokwane Municipal spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene, said the municipality will investigate the matter and give feedback at a later stage.
