Neglect, starvation, cruelty at NW farm

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) confirms that criminal charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act will be laid against all involved whose actions or negligence led to animals suffering to the point of starvation and resorting to eating one another at the Modderfontein farm in the North West Province.

The farm is owned by Thandi Modise, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

Inspectors from the NSPCA accompanied by personnel from the SPCAs Parys and Potchefstroom went to the farm on Saturday 05 July. Information had been received, alleging a dire situation for the animals on the property. A warrant was obtained to ensure entry onto the property.

Dead and dying animals were found. An electrician was called to the property to repair the pump for water to be provided for the surviving animals. The animals whose suffering was considered to be greatest and who were deemed to be beyond help, were humanely euthanased.

Evidence was obtained and the NSPCA team returned to the property the next day accompanied by a veterinarian on whose advice more animals were humanely euthanased to end their extreme suffering. On Sunday 06 July, the surviving pigs were signed over to the NSPCA by a representative of the owner.

On Monday 07 and Tuesday 08 July, sheep, goats, chickens and geese were seized by the NSPCA and removed from the farm. Cattle remain on the farm. These are free-roaming animals and had been able to forage. However, a condition for their remaining on the farm was that appropriate food would be provided immediately for them.

The NSPCA has already spent 4 days at the scene and will continue to assist the surviving animals.

Sincere appreciation is expressed to the SPCAs Parys and Potchefstroom whose help has been invaluable and who continue to monitor and assist.

Thanks are extended to everyone who assisted in whatever way.

Statement issued by the NSPCA, July 8 2014

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