The Northern Cape, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s Veterinary Public Health has halted an illegal slaughtering, in Komaggas in the Namakwa District recently.
The illegal slaughtering of donkeys was destined to Gauteng under the falls pretence that they were harvested for predator feeding at the Johannesburg Zoo.
A total of 23 donkey carcasses were confiscated by the Veterinary Public Health and the South African Police Service. According to Meat Safety Act, “No person may sell or provide meat for human and animal consumption unless it has been slaughtered at the registered abattoir”. (Section 7(c) of the Meat Safety Act)
The perpetrator later appeared in court and has since admitted guilt and the matter was settled out of court.
The set illegal slaughter operation appears to be huge syndicate operating in three Provinces namely-Northern Cape, Gauteng and the North West. The matter is receiving the necessary attention by National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) Law enforcement office. The arrest of these culprits will send a strong warning that illegal slaughtering is not permitted in South Africa and the perpetrators will be brought to book.
Issued by: Directorate Communication Services – Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong – External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 802 5622
Cell 071 889 5112
www.agrinc.gov.za