EASTERN CAPE - MAKHANDA HIGH COURT PUSHES ASIDE NSPCA AND ALLOWS THOUSANDS OF SHEEP TO BE EXPORTED

The exporting of thousands of sheep will go ahead after the Grahamstown High Court struck the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) high court application, interdicting the move.

The NSPCA on Friday said the matter was struck off the roll, with costs, due to procedural issues.

However, the NSPCA expressed concern that the merits of the case were unable to be argued.

"We believe there is still a strong case to be made. Our roll however is not over, Al Mawashi has conceded that the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962, and World Organisation for Animal Health standards must be adhered to. Al Mawashi and the NSPCA will engage on measures to ensure that the safe passage of the animals should be secured," NSPCA executive director, Marcelle Meredith, said.

On Thursday, attorneys acting on behalf of Al Mawashi requested that the NSPCA, various stakeholders and Al Mawashi engage in order to find a solution for this dispute.

Loading for the next shipment is due to begin on March 17, 2020.

"The NSPCA will engage with Al Mawashi to try and establish the best outcome for the animals involved, however, our stance is unchanged – our opposition to this practice on welfare grounds has been steadfast for decades. There is undoubted cruelty both during the lengthy sea voyage and at the destination," she said.

Meredith said the undeniable suffering that takes place on these voyages from the time of loading at the feedlot, was something that has left even our most seasoned inspectors demoralised. 

"We will see this through to the end, we only hope that the public will continue to support us and make their voices heard. There are still three criminal cases of animal cruelty against those involved in the live export to Kuwait in October 2019, and one for the assault of one of our inspectors, which are still being investigated and will be vigorously pursued by the NSPCA until justice is served," she said.

via - IOL