The NSPCA is calling for information that could help identify those responsible for the cruel slaughter of thousands of day old chicks.
The NPSCA said that 38 000 chicks were being transported in a truck in North West on Friday when the vehicle was targeted by protesters.
In a statement the NSPCA said that its Farm Animal Protection Unit was alerted to the transporter being set alight by members of the public in the area “who were protesting against poor service delivery.”
“A task team was immediately despatched to the area but the NSPCA personnel were recalled after the Operational Director of Opti Chicks informed our Farm Animal Protection Unit that there were no surviving chicks and the crowd had dispersed.”
The NPSC said that the transport company Opti Chicks said in a statement that the truck had been set alight with the chicks inside.
“Some of chicks were thrown out of the truck and they then used the truck to drive over the chicks,” the Company said.
In condemning this action, the NSPCA emphasises that the suffering endured by these birds can hardly be imagined. “It would have been agonising and prolonged. It was also totally unnecessary.”
“There is no footage of the actions which impacts on the possibility of pursuing a case of animal cruelty. No perpetrators can be identified,” said NSPCA spokesperson, Grace de Lange.
She said anyone with information relating to this incident is invited to come forward with information with the assurance that under no circumstances will any details be revealed regarding the identity of an informant.