Complaint of cruelty over horrific livestock transport | Rhewal

The prolonged exposure to the garbage in the trucks also led to respiratory problems among the sheep and goats. (Photo: SPCA)

The SPCA in Bloemfontein filed a complaint of animal cruelty against the owner of a herd of sheep and goats after they were transported 300 km away in the Free State under terrible conditions.

Inspectors from the SPCA were called to Marquard after an anonymous call about the cruel conditions under which the animals are transported.

A total of 14 goats and 17 sheep were crammed into the back of a truck. “The truck had no ventilation and the floor of the vehicle was covered in urine and manure. The truck also had no floor covering to prevent the animals from slipping and ending up in the fog.

“The animals were jerked and shaken during the drive from Vereeniging to Marquard and two sheep suffered broken bones,” says Chief Insp. Reinet Meyer.

Meyer says the smell inside the truck was unbearable.

“I can’t even imagine how these animals must have felt: thirsty, terrified and covered in their own urine and faeces.”

The prolonged exposure to the garbage in the trucks also led to respiratory problems among the sheep and goats.

“The Bloemfontein inspectorate agreed that the animals should be loaded onto another trailer to be taken to safety.”

Werner Botha, an inspector from the Bloemfontein SPCA, says the incident made them realize anew that many people see living beings as nothing more than something to be traded.

The livestock was taken to a place of safety while the investigation into the case of animal cruelty against the owner continues.

“The Bloemfontein SPCA would like to thank the officers of the Marquard police and praise them for their unwavering commitment to the protection of and service to the animals in their area.”