NSPCA moves against Daybreak Farms due to animal cruelty concerns
Over one million birds suffer in what investigators call one of South Africa’s worst animal welfare cases.
SOUTH AFRICA – The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is pursuing criminal charges against poultry producer Daybreak Farms, following what inspectors have described as a widespread and shocking case of animal neglect.
The organization alleges that over a million chickens were found either dead or in critical condition across several of the company’s facilities.
Inspections carried out by the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit reportedly uncovered scenes of severe overcrowding, where many birds were too weak to stand, suffering from open wounds, or showing signs of infection.
In some of the worst-affected areas, food and water had not been supplied for extended periods, leading some birds to turn on each other in a desperate attempt to survive.
The animals were also found to be underweight, with many exhibiting signs of long-term malnutrition and untreated injuries.
According to Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, who led the investigation, the suffering was so extensive that the situation resembled a mass killing.
Thousands of chickens died from starvation before any intervention, while others had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering.
Court Intervention and Business Rescue Delay
The NSPCA took the matter to the Gauteng High Court, which ruled in favor of the organization and held Daybreak Farms’ board responsible for violating national animal welfare laws.
The judge ordered the company to halt all inhumane culling, provide consistent food and veterinary services, pause the intake of new chicks until conditions improved, and grant full access to inspectors.
The court also instructed Daybreak Farms to cover the legal expenses incurred by the NSPCA, which have reached more than US$31,000 (R580,000).
However, enforcement of the court’s ruling has been stalled after the company applied for business rescue on May 20, a legal process that temporarily protects companies from creditors and suspends court-ordered actions.
This has created challenges for the NSPCA in recovering emergency response costs and continuing oversight of the facilities.
Daybreak Farms has since appointed a business rescue practitioner to lead restructuring efforts, stating that the move aims to save jobs and stabilize operations.
Despite this, the NSPCA maintains that the suffering of animals must not be overlooked in efforts to restore the company.
Past inspections at other Daybreak Farms locations also revealed severe neglect, with at least 350,000 birds reportedly dying from starvation and disease.
An additional 500,000 chickens were found alive but in poor health, raising concerns that the problem extends beyond a single site.
The NSPCA has appealed for public donations to help cover ongoing monitoring and intervention costs as the legal process continues.
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