The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has grave concerns for the animals that may be affected by the strikes at the borders by South African Revenue Services (SARS) employees over wage disputes.
The movement of animals through South Africa’s land ports is extensive, and species include wildlife, farm animals and domestic pets. Road transport presents its own animal welfare problems which include long-distance travel, overcrowding and associated injuries – long delays at border posts compromise the welfare of these animals even further.
Furthermore, there are working detection dogs that are used by SARS at the borders. A communication was sent to SARS by the NSPCA, highlighting the NSPCA’s concerns regarding animal welfare during these strikes. SARS responded with reassurance that their detection dogs would be cared for. However, there was no mention of the animals being transported through the borders and this remains a concern.
“We appeal to all livestock and animal transporters to take the welfare of their animals into consideration at this time and schedule their transportation accordingly to ensure that their animals do not suffer from prolonged transportation” said National Inspector Arno De Klerk, Manager of the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit.
The NSPCA will continue to monitor the situation. We call on members of the public to report any concerns that they may witness at the borders during these strikes.