Transport Month a time to reflect on the poor treatment of animals

THE improper handling and transportation of farm animals, often involved in major road accidents which cause extensive harm to them and potentially their death, should be highlighted during October, Transport Month.

Poor handling and transportation of animals amount not only to cruelty under the Animals Protection Act of 1962, but translate into a loss of income for the owner of the animals.

This is according to the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), which notes that World Farm Animal Day (October 2) is observed in the same month as the progress in the transport industry is showcased.

On Tuesday October 2, Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters launched Transport Month and noted that transport played a significant role in economic development.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in agriculture and the transportation of livestock.

“One area lacking in the minister’s speech . . . was the contribution of farmed animals to economic development; millions of these animals are transported every year in South Africa,” Andries Venter, manager of the Farm Unit of the NSPCA, said. “However these animals, treated more like commodities than sentient beings, are often improperly handled and transported; this is further compounded when the vehicle is involved in an accident.”

Venter explains there is no conflict between the humane treatment of livestock and the production of these animals. In fact, the overall effect can be beneficial to the farmer and even prevent losses.

The NSPCA acknowledges that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Department of Transport acknowledge the “Code of Practice for the Handling and Transport of Animals”, drawn up by the Livestock Welfare Coordinating Committee. It is a set of strict guidelines aimed at improving conditions under which farm animals are transported. This code is in the process of being turned into a national standard through the South African Bureau of Standards.

However, the responsibility does not only sit at legislative level, but also with the farmer, the truck owner, and perhaps most importantly, the truck driver.

Drivers carry enormous responsibility to ensure animals are treated well during a trip. At 25°C, an animal in a truck going 64km/h experiences a temperature of 16°C. At 20°C that drops to 9°C. This is exacerbated if livestock is wet, and the animals can quickly develop pneumonia.

The NSPCA acknowledges strides made in the transportation of animals to date, but the organisation believes there is still a long way to go.

CLAIRE WINSON, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SPCAS