In what has been described as one of the most distressing cases ever seen, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) confirmed the culling of over 4,000 chickens in Delmas, Mpumalanga.

The organisation said it received an anonymous tip-off on Monday, which alleged chickens had been left without food for about three days, possibly five days, resulting in the birds cannibalising each other and mortalities due to starvation.

“Upon inquiry to the farm, which is a contract grower, no conclusive evidence was provided as to when the birds were last fed, however, it was divulged that the farm received only half of the scheduled delivery of chicken feed,” the NSPCA said.

It said the organisation, alongside Springs SPCA was forced to intervene to prevent further suffering at the two broiler farms in Delmas.

It confirmed the chickens had resorted to cannibalism.

“The efforts of our courageous inspectors initially met with resistance from the farm manager, who was unwilling to fully cooperate with our investigation in terms of providing the necessary information required,” the NSPCA said.

The organisation said it was not prepared for the horrific scenes which would unfold.

“Once inside, the team was confronted with a horrifying scene: countless birds lay dying or critically injured, their bodies torn open with exposed organs. Hundreds of chickens, driven to desperation, had begun feeding on one another in their desperate attempt to survive. It was evident that these birds were suffering immensely,” it said.

Thousands of chickens had to be culled.

“Over 4,000 had to be humanely destroyed by ourselves. This does not include the many others who had already succumbed to their starvation and wounds. Our Inspectors have described this cruelty and suffering as one of the most distressing cases they have yet encountered,” the NSPCA said.

This tragic scene has now resulted in the NSPCA to launch a countrywide inspection of all farms affiliated with the commercial producer as it fears others may face the same dire situation.

“A similar situation was found on one of their other contract grower farms, with dead and dying chickens left again without feed. More than 2,000 birds had to be culled to prevent further suffering.

"This critical response has placed immense financial strain on the organisation,” the NSPCA said.

The organisation will be opening a criminal case against all responsible stakeholders for contravening the Animals Protection Act for extreme neglect and cruelty inflicted on animals.

“We will not rest until every individual responsible for this horrendous indifference to the suffering of these birds is identified and held accountable,” it said.

The NSPCA has urged anyone with information about similar cases to make contact at farm@nspca.co.za.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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