NSPCA lawyer says lack of transparency led to collapse of Daybreak

THE lack of transparency from Daybreak directly delayed the NSPCAs ability to intervene sooner following reports of animal cruelty, cannibalism and unethical culling of more than 594,000 chickens.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

This was according to NSPCA lawyer, Advocate Samantha Jane Martin when arguing before the Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg yesterday.

The proceedings came after Judge Reid recently issued an interim order stopping Daybreak from any inhumane culling methods; provide adequate, species-appropriate feed for all birds; cease all breeding and placement of chicks or birds at any affiliated facilities; and provide a timeline and strategy to address and resolve this ongoing crisis.

The chickens, according to the NSPCA, had faced immediate starvation and prolonged neglect due to insufficient feeding. The NSPCSA said it also uncovered that Daybreak had deployed untrained casual staff to “kill” compromised breeder birds by violently swinging them by the head - a method both inhumane and illegal.