Animal Welfare issues as pertains to the Environmental Protection laws Briefing of the Joint...

Animal Welfare issues as pertains to the Environmental Protection laws

Briefing of the Joint Constitutional Review Committee

Motseki Hlatshwayo

Department of Agriculture

INTRODUCTION

• Domestic animals have played important role in:– social, cultural, economic & agricultural history of SA– as providers of food, fibre, draught power, for

recreational purposes, for cultural & ceremonial purposes, for research purposes, as working animals (guide dogs, sheep dogs, security dogs etc.) & as pets

• Caring for these animals (animal welfare) not only makes economic sense as far as management is concerned, but it is becoming a key factor in trade & animal health protocols

INTRODUCTION (CONT’D)

• To be in a position give long-term assurances both locally & internationally we need a culture of caring for our animal resources – supported by realistic & appropriate policy – effective legislation & regulation

• DoA is currently developing capacity in Animal Welfare (Care)– to facilitate the development of a culture of caring

through a framework that includes guidelines, norms & standards that take cognizance of the socio economic and socio cultural role & multiple uses of animals in South Africa.

ANIMAL WELFARE IN SA

• The welfare of animals in SA is regulated by 2 pieces of legislation– Animals Protection Act, 1962 (Act No. 71 of 1962) – Performing Animals Protection Act, 1935 (Act No. 24

of 1935)

• A third legislation, the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (Act No. 169 of 1993) governs the organization & management of the NSPCA & has no other application

ANIMALS

• Animals used for breeding & production• Animals used for agricultural & other research• Draught animals• Working animals (Sheep dogs)• Security animals• Animals used for sport & recreation• Game animals used for farming purposes• Companion & captive animals• Zoo & performing animals

DoA POSITION

• Having assumed the responsibility for animal welfare, DoA reviewed the SA welfare status & the following action points were identified:– Need for a general policy focusing on the welfare of

animals– Specific guidelines/ codes/norms & standards to

monitor & control the multitude of activities involving animals (to also include activities of animal welfare organizations)

– A National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC)

– One animal welfare Act

ACTIVITIES

• Codes of Good Practice/Guidelines needed for the following activities:– Animal housing & handling facilities– Management practices (dehorning, castration, etc.)– Transport of animals– Feedlots & slaughter– Sporting activities– Working animals (Draught, sheep dogs, etc.)– Animal pounds– Farm animal welfare organizations & inspectors– The care of animals used for research– Establishment & management of kennels– Captive animals– Companion animals/pets

STAKEHOLDERS

• NSPCA• LWCC• Industry (all commodities)• DEAT, DOJ & CD, SAPS• ARC & Universities• Other Animal Welfare Organizations• SAVC• PDoAs, PDoEAs