Cape Town — The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) have both condemned the transportation of live cattle aboard cargo ships.
The TNPA confirmed that the Al Kuwait vessel, that was travelling from Brazil to Iraq, was docked at the Cape Town to feed the animals on board, IOL reported.
“TNPA assures all stakeholders and members of the public that comprehensive measures to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the animals have been implemented while the vessel is in the port,” said TNPA in a statement released on Monday.
However, shortly after docking, Cape Town residents in the CBD, Green Point, Woodstock, and Observatory, complained of a sewage-like odour that was emanting from the city, understood to be from the docked vessel. According to TNPA, the estimated departure of the vessel is February 20, 2024.
⚠️ UPDATE | REPORTS REGARDING FOUL SMELL ACROSS THE CBD | 10:00 | Environmental Health have confirmed that the source of the smell across the city is a ship in the harbour. The ship arrived last night and is carrying cattle. It is due to leave the port tonight at 9pm. pic.twitter.com/DoXEHNqBQS
— Dr Zahid Badroodien (@ZahidBadroodien) February 19, 2024
As reported by EWN, the ship was carrying around 19 000 cattle aboard. Investigations into the matter found that some of the animals had to be euthanised due to injuries or to relieve them from suffering.
The NSPCA said the smell was indicative of the awful conditions the animals had to endure, having already spent two-and-a-half weeks on board, with a build-up of faeces and ammonia.
“We are saying if you want to transport meat, we are 100% fine with that if they get slaughtered humanely in SA and the meat is transported but for us, these animals do not have to endure going through all of this.” NSPCA’s, Grace De Lange, said.
The NSPCA has approached the courts on numerous occasions since 2019 in a bid to put an end to the transportation of live animals by sea.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
