Position Statement 3.1 Transport of Live Animals
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POSITION STATEMENT 3.1 TRANSPORT OF LIVE ANIMALS The SPCA is opposed to all forms of transportation which compromise the well-being of all animals or which causes or may cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS Animals are transported nationally and internationally for various reasons and purposes such as farm animals destined for sale, breeding or slaughter; wildlife industry operations; animals used for scientific purposes; animals moved to sporting events; legal and illegal pet trade; and travelling companion animals. The methods of transporting animals vary greatly from species to species and animals are transported via road, air and sea. The transportation of animals have known risks to animals and general animal well-being issues prior to, during and after transportation include but may not be limited to pain; suffering; distress; injuries; hunger; dehydration; heat stress; cold stress; diurnal variation; exposure to noxious gases; incorrect handling; risk of disease; unsuitable vehicles; long distances; unpredicted travelling durations; exposure to the elements; and death. The SPCA advocates that the most expedient means of transport must be used to ensure that all animals are loaded, transported, off-loaded and handled correctly and humanely. The well-being of any animal should not be compromised and there should be minimal stress to the animals during the journey. Regardless of the animal being transported and the purpose thereof, individuals have a legal responsibility to ensure that transportation procedures do not result in any pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm of any animal. This includes compliance with relevant legislation, including local and international codes, standards and regulations. The documents below have relevance to the transportation of animals; some required by law; some influenced by international treaties and conventions to which South Africa is a signatory; and some are based on a voluntary basis, unless it is incorporated by legislation or permit conditions; which include but are not limited to the: Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962; Animal Diseases Act No. 35 of 1984; Animal Identification Act. No. 06 of 2002; Performing Animals Protection Amendment Act No. 4 of 2016; National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act No. 10 of 2004: Threatened and Protected Species Regulations (TOPS); Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulations and permit conditions; South African Bureau of Standards / SABS 0331: Translocation of certain species of wild herbivore; South African National Standard / SANS 10391:2012: The welfare of wild animals transported by sea; South African National Standard / SANS 1884-2:2007: Vehicles for the transportation of wild herbivores by road to holding pens and other facilities; South African National Standard / SANS 1884-3:2008: Vehicles for the transportation of wild carnivores by road to holding pens and other facilities; South African National Standard / SANS 10379:2005: Zoo and aquarium practice; South African National Standard / SANS 1488:2014: Humane transportation of livestock by road; South African National Standard / SANS 10386:2008 (or latest version): For the care and use of animals for scientific purposes; Cape Nature Game Translocation and Utilization Policy for the Western Cape Province; Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Procedures and Standard Terms and Conditions for Keeping Wild Animals in Captivity; International Air Transport Association (IATA) Regulations; and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) - World Minimum Standard. TRANSPORTATION OF LIVE ANIMALS BY LAND Animal well-being concerns with regards to the transportation of live animals by land include but are not limited to: The capturing and handling of animals before loading; The incompatibility of animals being transported together such as mothers and calves transported with other adult animals or unsuitable species transported together; Disregard for the social grouping or structure of animals such as solitary and social animals transported together; Use of vehicles not suited for the species or specific animals; Exposure to unfamiliar sounds, smells and new environments; Exposure to unfamiliar temperatures such as vehicles parked in the sun or a wind chill factor that may result in heat or cold stress; No shading provided for animals during transport; Inadequate ventilation in vehicles; Overcrowding; Inadequate non-slip flooring; Starving and dehydration; Health and condition of the animals being transported; Use of vehicles that are not roadworthy; Adequate driver training and route plans to ensure the shortest and safest route; and Lack of emergency plans in case of breakdowns or accidents, including sick or injured animals resulting in animals left to suffer until the end of the journey before veterinary care can be provided. TRANSPORTATION OF LIVE ANIMALS BY SEA The transportation of live animals by sea, in particular, livestock intended for slaughter holds serious animal well-being concerns. It is unnecessary to transport animals intended for slaughter by sea, especially if viable and humane alternatives exist close to the point of production. This method of trade causes pain, suffering and distress to many animals, including high mortality rates occurring during the voyage. The SPCA advocates that the animals should be transported in carcass form. Animal well-being concerns with regards to the transportation of live animals by sea include but are not limited to: The conditions on the vessels are totally unnatural and do not provide for a suitable environment for the intended cargo of animals; Animals have to endure extended periods in inadequate and/or unnaturally small spaces including within the confinement of transport crates; Excessive lighting exposure resulting in lack of rest; Animals are subjected to unhygienic husbandry conditions during the voyage such as the build- up of faecal matter and urine; Build-up of noxious gases such as ammonia; Faulty or broken ventilation systems may result in animals suffering from heat stress or exposure to high levels of noxious gases such as ammonia; Due to the movement of the vessel, the animals may become injured or experience motion sickness; Unsuitable non-slip flooring may cause the animals to slip and become injured; Animals are at risk of being trampled by their companions; Water provision and suitable food for the animals may be compromised during the voyage; Provision of food and water is not necessarily accessible to every animal; Animals are forced to endure close proximity to humans for extended periods of time; Animals are transported without being accompanied by a veterinarian or experienced, trained and competent staff, resulting in a lack of provision of emergency treatment or euthanasia of animals where necessary; There is a lack of adequate treatment or quarantine sections on ships; and The offloading of animals is not necessarily monitored by any welfare organisation at the intended destination. TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS BY AIR Transportation of live animals by air must be done in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Regulations, including relevant legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice. Animal well-being concerns with regards to the transportation of live animals by air include but are not limited to: Exposure to unfamiliar sounds, smells and new environments; Disregard and negligence, as well as unforeseeable circumstances causing unnecessary delays at Cargo companies before flights; Lack of water provision prior, during and after transits; Lack of suitable species-specific transport crates; Poorly constructed transportation crates hold the risk of escape or injury to the animals in transit; Animals are loaded and flown to destinations without the necessary vaccinations; Animals are left on the apron in the sun and other weather elements for extended periods of time; Mixed species of animals are kept in close proximity with the risk of disease transmission, including predators in view of prey animals; Biosecurity protocols are not being adhered to; Incorrect and inhumane handling of animals by cargo company staff; and Inhumane methods used to smuggle animals via cargo flights. The SPCA bases its perspectives on the best available information and data available at the time. Our positions and opinions may change as more information and data become available. POSITION STATEMENT 3.2 LIVE ANIMALS AS PRIZES The SPCA is opposed to the award of live animals as prizes. WHY ARE LIVE ANIMALS USED AS PRIZES? Live animals are sometimes awarded as prizes in raffles, competitions or other fundraising events as a marketing tool or as a way to publicise and capitalise on sales, whilst animal well-being is not always considered. These competitions or events result in the winning person becoming responsible for the care of an animal without any prior consideration or proper planning taking place. The type of animals used depends on the target audience from domestic farm animals, companion animals to both indigenous and exotic wild species. The attraction of possibly winning a live animal whilst purchasing other commodities, is a marketing strategy which successfully promotes sales and is a lucrative drawcard, which the SPCA considers as exploitation to both the consumer and the animal. CONCERNS RELATING TO THE USE OF LIVE ANIMALS GIVEN AS PRIZES.