The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has condemned the live export of animals by sea after a livestock carrier docked at the Port of Cape Town with 19,000 distressed cattle aboard last week.
The Al Kuwait docked in the port this weekend and is scheduled to sail on Wednesday, February 21, for another 24 days before it reaches the Port of Basra in Iraq.
The stench from the vessel where some animals have been forced to live in their urine and faeces during the arduous journey from Brazil has spread from the port area into the city bowl.
The NSPCA said in a statement that it and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA are actively engaging with the crew on the Al Kuwait while it is docked in the port.
“The ship is in the process of loading feed and is carrying 19,000 cattle bound for Iraq from Brazil,” the NSPCA said.
The team, including NSPCA veterinary consultant Dr Bryce Marock, has been aboard the vessel since 10:00pm on Sunday, working with the cooperation of the captain to assess the welfare of the animals.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by members of the public regarding the noticeable stench emanating from the ship, reaching the city centre and surrounds,” the NSPCA said.
“ This smell is indicative of the awful conditions the animals endure, having already spent two and a half weeks on board, with a build-up of faeces and ammonia.
“The stench onboard is unimaginable, yet the animals face this every single day.”
“We urge the public to consider the plight of these sentient beings, confined to cramped quarters with limited ventilation and hygiene, as we continue our efforts to ensure their well-being, the NSPCA said.
“The NSPCA reiterates its stance against the live export of animals by sea.
“We have been in and out of the High Court on numerous occasions since 2019.”
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) raised its concern about the conditions of the docked vessel.
TNPA confirmed that the vessel, en route to the Middle East, had docked at the Port of Cape Town from Brazil to load animal feed for the livestock on board.
“The welfare and humane treatment of the animals on board the Al Kuwait whilst docked at the Port of Cape Town is a top priority for TNPA.
“The state veterinarian has approved the vessel to berth and collect animal feed.
“The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has attended to the vessel to monitor the well-being of the animals on board.”
TNPA added that it “assures all stakeholders and members of the public that comprehensive measures safeguard the health and well-being of the animals have been implemented whilst the vessel is in the port.”
