Latest news with #AnimalProtectionAct
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
NSPCA takes action against Daybreak Farms over horrific mass animal welfare violations
NSPCA has laid criminal charges over 'million-bird massacre' at Daybreak Farms. Image: File The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has laid criminal charges against the board of directors of Daybreak Farms, following what it has called one of South Africa's worst recorded mass animal welfare disasters, with over a million chickens dead or dying under alleged inhumane and unlawful conditions. The NSPCA confirmed on Thursday it had filed a criminal docket with police, accusing the poultry producer's leadership of gross negligence, systemic mismanagement, and multiple violations of the Animal Protection Act. In a damning statement, the organisation said its inspectors uncovered 'overwhelming evidence' of a total collapse in animal care across multiple Daybreak facilities. Chickens were allegedly found starving, suffering from untreated injuries, and in some cases, resorting to cannibalism due to extreme overcrowding and prolonged neglect. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'The law compels us to value every single animal individually,' said Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, manager of the NSPCA's Farm Animal Protection Unit. 'To witness the suffering of one animal multiplied by a million is not just a disaster, it's a grave and morally reprehensible failure.' Site visits by the NSPCA were described as harrowing. Inspectors reported scenes of mass death, with birds dying slow, painful deaths, others lying with gaping wounds, and many unable to move. The organisation has described the situation as a 'massacre'. The criminal complaint follows a recent Gauteng High Court ruling that made final an urgent interim order against Daybreak Farms. The court found that the company's leadership had 'failed in their legal duty of care' and cited 'financial mismanagement of the available funds,' which endangered the lives of the animals in their possession. 'The urgency arose from Daybreak's failure to care for the chickens in their possession,' the ruling stated. The final court order compels Daybreak to stop all inhumane culling, provide adequate feed and veterinary care, halt new chick placements unless the NSPCA deems it safe, and grant full access to its facilities for compliance monitoring. The company was also ordered to pay the NSPCA's legal costs. However, efforts to enforce the court's directives have been complicated by a new development. On May 20, 2025, Daybreak voluntarily entered business rescue proceedings, a move the NSPCA fears could obstruct both enforcement and the recovery of more than R580,000 it spent on emergency operations. 'This is not only a legal and ethical failure, but also a financial one,' said the NSPCA. 'Despite a High Court ruling in our favour, our ability to recover costs has been compromised by Daybreak's sudden entry into business rescue.' In response, Daybreak Foods issued a media statement confirming the appointment of veteran restructuring specialist Tebogo Maoto as its Senior Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP). Maoto, formally appointed on May 22, has been tasked with stabilising operations and developing a turnaround strategy. Daybreak's interim board chairperson, Dr Charlotte Nkuna, said: 'We welcome the appointment of the BRP as part of a collective effort, together with the Public Investment Corporation, to rescue the company and save approximately 2,800 jobs.' Under Section 133 of the Companies Act, Daybreak now benefits from a temporary legal moratorium that protects it from enforcement actions, while the BRP and board prepare a rescue plan addressing its financial crisis. The NSPCA, which depends on public donations and limited funding, is now appealing for urgent financial support to continue its monitoring and legal efforts. Operational costs continue to mount as inspectors remain on-site to oversee animal welfare and ensure compliance with the court's directives. 'We urgently appeal to the public, the private sector, and compassionate individuals to assist us in holding Daybreak accountable and in preventing further suffering,' the organisation said. Daybreak, once considered one of the country's leading poultry producers, has yet to respond publicly to the NSPCA's criminal allegations.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Korea Herald
2 Marines,1 civilian accused of killing, injuring dogs with BB guns
Two active-duty Marines and one civilian in their 20s are under investigation for killing one dog and seriously injuring two others with BB guns. The Geoje Police Station said Wednesday that two active-duty soldiers and one civilian — all unnamed males in their 20s — fired hundreds of BB pellets at four dogs that were tied up in a restaurant yard in a small town in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on June 8. Of the four dogs, one died as a result of the attack, while two sustained serious injuries to their eyes and other parts of their bodies. Police booked the civilian without detention on charges of violation of the Animal Protection Act and trespassing. The two soldiers were transferred back to their units, and their cases were referred to the military. The Marine Corps said in a statement released Thursday that it plans to take 'strict measures' against the soldiers who allegedly committed the crime while they were on leave. They also expressed condolences to the owners of the dogs. The suspects told the police that the attack was 'unintentional' and that they fired the BB guns at the dogs after getting bitten by them. They were staying at a nearby accommodation at the time. But a police official who obtained surveillance camera footage of the scene said that the video 'only showed them trespassing on the restaurant's yard and shooting BB guns at the dogs that were tied up.' They were unable to find any evidence of the dogs biting them. In the surveillance footage that went viral online, the three men can be seen throwing rocks at the dogs, flashing lights, and rounding them up before firing BB guns toward them. According to local reports, the father of one of the suspects visited one of the owners later and said he would 'pay off' for his son's alleged crimes, while one of the soldiers' units called the owner to ask them not to make the case public. A group of some 3,600 Marine reservists released a statement on Wednesday calling for 'stern punishment' on the suspects, while highlighting the need for the military to punitively discharge them from the Marine Corps.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Korea Herald
Man booked for using electric shock to kill 120 dogs
Police in North Jeolla Province said Wednesday that they have booked a man in his 60s without detention on suspicion of slaughtering some 120 dogs at his farm in Gunsan. The suspect is accused of using an electric shock device to kill the animals in April and storing their bodies in a freezer warehouse. During a search of the premises, police discovered a pile of dog carcasses along with the slaughter tools, including the electric shock device. During questioning, the suspect admitted to killing the dogs but reportedly refused to explain his motive. 'Although he hasn't stated a clear motive for killing (the dogs), we suspect it was for food or sale. A decision on whether to forward the case for prosecution will be made once the investigation is completed," said a police officer investigating the case. The suspect may face charges under the Animal Protection Act for killing dogs with electricity, as the law forbids slaughter carried out in a cruel manner or without a valid reason. The National Assembly passed a special bill on Jan. 9 banning the consumption of dog meat, with the law set to take effect in 2027. Under the new legislation, killing dogs could result in up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won ($21,852), while selling dog meat could carry a penalty of up to two years in prison or a 20 million won fine.
The South African
11-06-2025
- The South African
Influencer facing animal charges after mocking SPCA's dog rescue
The influencer whose TikTok video featured an emaciated dog is facing animal cruelty charges from the SPCA. Johannesburg content creator Sasha Tshiamo is accused of mocking the NGO's plight to rescue the animal, who has been affectionately nicknamed 'Bobby.' This week, a starving Bobby was rescued and removed from her home by investigators after South Africans – and the SPCA – were moved by her shocking living conditions. She is now on the path to recovery. According to reports, influencer Sasha Tshiamo has been accused of mocking the dog featured in her viral TikTok video. The content creator also made light of a national search and reward for the dog's location. Under her posts, Sasha laughed off comments calling for 'Justice for Bobby.' She also reposted a skit from another content creator who was amused by the viral incident. 'Now, she will be facing charges in terms of the Animal Protection Act, while Bobby walked out victorious against her cruelty,' the SPCA told the media. In a follow-up TikTok video, Sasha claimed that Bobby is not her dog, and 'not my responsibility'. She also claimed that social media users had 'done me dirty' in their criticism of her. The dog's owners will also face animal cruelty charges. @ ♬ original sound – ayeecannytmalume While TikTok claims that the dog did not belong to her and was hence not her 'responsibility,' others have claimed that this is a poor excuse. @tashiri_g: 'This is not a defence, it's a deflection from the fact that you did not care to help or report her abuse'. @myrnalouw: 'How can you dance while a dog is starving in the background…sies!' @duckduckgoose: 'It doesn't have to be your dog in order for you to show human decency and kindness '. @ I'm not the owner please. ♬ original sound – It can't be Sasha Meanwhile, the SPCA shared the heartbreaking story of Bobby's rescue. In a social media post, a member of the Special Projects Unit was able to remove Bobby from her home. The post read: 'She is the most lovable dog, handing out kisses to everyone since the moment she arrived! Forced to eat plastic to survive, Bobby was found severely malnourished, suffering from fly strike, and covered in ticks and fleas'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NSPCA (@ The good news is that Bobby is now in safe hands and will be well-fed. The SPCA continued: 'She's on a long road to recovery, but once healthy, she'll be sterilised and available to the loving and caring home she deserves'. DO YOU BELIEVE THE CONTENT CREATOR DESERVED TO FACE ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES? Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
IOL News
10-06-2025
- IOL News
Viral video of dancing influencer and starving dog leads to animal cruelty charges
How a viral video led to the rescue of 'Bobby' the starving dog by NSPCA. A content creator who posted a video of herself dancing while her dog sat looking emaciated in the background has been charged in terms of the Animal Protection Act, and the dog, 'Bobby' rescued. The National Council of SPCA's (NSPCA) took swift action to rescue the dog after the clip went viral. The video concerned viewers who contacted the organisation, claiming that the canine was visibly emaciated and was allegedly being abused. Dozens of complaints were sent out by worried individuals and dog lovers alike, which led to the location of the woman and the dog. "Last week, a video went viral, but not for the right reasons. While a social media influencer danced for likes, an emaciated dog sat sadly in the background. That dog, affectionately named Bobby by hundreds of South Africans moved by her plight, is finally safe," said the NSPCA.
