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