The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has confirmed an interdict enforcing humane treatment standards for chickens at Daybreak Foods (Pty) Ltd.
The decision follows an urgent court application by the National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) in response to severe neglect and cruelty uncovered at the company’s poultry facilities.
The NSPCA submitted alarming evidence, including photographs and video footage of underfed chickens and inhumane culling methods such as wringing the necks of breeder birds. In its application lodged on 8 May, the NSPCA stressed the urgent need for court intervention due to Daybreak Foods’ failure to meet basic animal welfare responsibilities. The High Court treated the matter as urgent, recognising the serious risk to animal life.
Funding boost after financial collapse
To address the crisis, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) allocated R74 million to help stabilise conditions at the facility. However, Daybreak Foods admitted to widespread financial mismanagement, which led to the breakdown of care standards. Temporary workers, lacking proper training, were brought in as a cost-cutting measure, further worsening the conditions in which the poultry were kept.
The NSPCA, which derives its authority from the Animal Protection Act of 1962, is legally mandated to act against cruelty and neglect. The court affirmed the NSPCA’s statutory powers and made it clear that humane treatment of animals is a legal requirement within the livestock industry.
Mandatory corrective action
In confirming the rule nisi, Judge FMM Reid ordered Daybreak Foods to take immediate steps, including:
- Ending all inhumane culling practices.
- Providing sufficient and appropriate feed for all chickens.
- Halting the breeding of new chicks until existing issues are addressed.
The court also granted the NSPCA authority to carry out ongoing inspections. If the company fails to comply with the order, the NSPCA may return to court for enforcement without delay.
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