The Gauteng High Court has handed down a decisive ruling against state-owned poultry producer Daybreak Foods, ordering the company to stop all inhumane chicken culling practices with immediate effect. This ruling follows an urgent application by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), which revealed widespread animal cruelty affecting nearly 600,000 birds at Daybreak’s Limpopo operations.
The court intervention marks a turning point in how large-scale farming operations are held accountable for animal welfare in South Africa. Investigations by the NSPCA uncovered scenes of mass starvation, neglect, and illegal culling methods at the facility—practices that were described as unethical and unlawful.
Shocking Revelations from the NSPCA
The NSPCA’s investigation found that:
- Untrained workers were used to kill birds using brutal methods like swinging them by their necks.
- Breeder chickens, some weighing up to 5kg, were starved due to financial mismanagement and a lack of feed.
- The company received a R74 million cash injection from the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), yet failed to address basic operational needs.
“This is not just poor management—it’s a complete breakdown in humane treatment,” said Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy from the NSPCA.
Court Orders Daybreak Foods to Act
Judge FMM Reid issued a final interdict instructing Daybreak Foods to:
- Cease all forms of inhumane chicken culling immediately.
- Halt the breeding and placement of new chicks until sufficient feeding protocols are in place.
- Ensure all birds receive proper, species-appropriate nutrition.
- Submit a full rehabilitation and compliance plan within five working days.
- Grant NSPCA inspectors unrestricted access to all facilities.
- Cover all legal costs incurred by the NSPCA, jointly with the PIC.
A Crisis of Accountability and Governance
Despite receiving substantial funding, Daybreak Foods failed to pay staff and provide essential care for its animals. The court found that the company’s mismanagement had led to an avoidable crisis, with starving chickens resorting to cannibalism.
Jacques Peacock, NSPCA spokesperson, commented:
“We’re committed to ensuring that Daybreak fully complies with the court’s orders and that animal welfare is prioritised moving forward.”
Broader Implications for South Africa’s Poultry Industry
This case has ignited fresh debate around the governance of state-funded agribusinesses. Daybreak Foods, once Afgri Poultry, is now owned by the Industrial Development Corporation and partly financed by the PIC, which manages public retirement funds.
Despite this backing, the company has experienced ongoing governance failures. Experts suggest this ruling could pressure other agricultural entities to prioritise ethical practices and compliance with animal welfare laws.
Why This Case Matters
Animal protection advocates have long called for stricter enforcement of humane farming standards. The Daybreak Foods case underscores how systemic neglect can lead to large-scale suffering if not addressed promptly.
This ruling serves as a precedent, not only for animal rights but also for transparent governance and ethical food production in South Africa.
A Wake-Up Call for the Poultry Sector
The High Court’s decision represents a vital step in reinforcing humane standards in farming. With continued oversight from the NSPCA, there is hope that similar abuses can be prevented in the future.
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