Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Velani Ludidi
Published on 2024-02-20 23:00:08
The controversial arrival of the Al Kuwait, a livestock carrier dubbed the “death ship” by activists, at Cape Town harbor on Sunday evening sparked outrage and concern regarding the welfare of the 19,000 cattle on board. The vessel was scheduled to set sail to Iraq on Wednesday after being loaded with feed, prompting a protest against live animal export and the presence of the cattle ship in the harbor on February 19, 2024.
The vessel made an emergency docking in Cape Town after an eight-day journey from Brazil, where it embarked on its journey with the cattle. The purpose of the docking was to restock on animal feed and fuel, and to allow South African authorities to conduct medical assessments of the animals and administer necessary care. However, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) reported that some of the cattle were found lying in their own feces and urine, and that there was rotten feed on the ship, resulting in a foul smell in parts of Cape Town.
In a statement released by the NSPCA, it was revealed that an inspection of the vessel from Sunday, February 18th to Tuesday, February 20th, revealed horrifying conditions for the animals. The NSPCA stated that they discovered compromised and diseased animals, with some being found dead. The organization’s veterinary consultant, Dr. Bryce Marock, confirmed that veterinary treatment was administered to the animals, while eight cows were humanely euthanized aboard the ship.
The incident highlighted the cruel and outdated practice of live animal export by sea, prompting calls for legislative reform and global awareness to end this inhumane trade. Concerns were raised not only about the conditions of the animals aboard the ship, but also about the religious implications of the live export of cattle to Iraq for slaughter.
Local religious leaders, including Mufti Sayed Haroon Al Azhari and Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan of the Cape Town Ulama Board, expressed shock and concern over the treatment of the animals, emphasizing that Islam teaches compassion and kindness towards animals. They also questioned the reasons for exporting live cattle and emphasized the importance of adhering to religious requirements when preparing meat for Muslim consumption.
The Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) also voiced its shock at the conditions the cattle endured, calling for an investigation by the Department of Agriculture and immediate action from the government in line with current legislation.
Amidst the controversy, the decision of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to allow the docking of the Al Kuwait was defended by Cape Town Port manager Rajesh Dana, who stated that the decision was made based on a thorough assessment of various factors, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of the animals on board.
The Al Kuwait, owned by the Kuwaiti company Al Mawashi, was at the center of previous legal challenges by the NSPCA. The company’s response to the recent outcry and calls for reform remain unclear, but the NSPCA and other concerned organizations continue to advocate for an end to live animal export by sea and the implementation of stricter regulations to ensure the humane treatment of animals in the livestock industry.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
