The livestock ship Al Kuwait, dubbed the “ship of death” by activists, entered Cape Town port on Sunday night and was scheduled to leave around 4 a.m. Wednesday for Iraq after loading feed onto the ship. .
Protest against live animal exports and cattle transport at Cape Town Port on 19 February 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / ER Lombard)
The ship's scheduled departure was confirmed by port authorities and the National SPCA Council (NSPCA).
After an eight-day voyage from Brazil, the Al Kuwait made an emergency port call with 19,000 head of cattle on board. She anchored for animal feed and fuel. South African authorities conducted a medical evaluation of the animal and provided the necessary medical care.
of the NSPCA said. Several cows were found lying in their feces and urine during the voyage from Brazil, and rotting feed was on board, causing a foul odor in parts of Cape Town on Monday.
Read more at Daily Maverick: A foul-smelling ship carrying 19,000 cattle to the Middle East in Cape Town port
In a statement released on Tuesday night, the NSPCA said: “The NSPCA, in cooperation with our member organization Cape of Good Hope SPCA, conducted an inspection of the vessel from Sunday 18 February 2024 to Tuesday 20 February 2024. ” he said.
“The scene on board was abhorrent, with an extreme buildup of faeces and urine, and the animals had no choice but to rest in their own waste dams.
Cows suffering on a transport ship in Al Kuwait. (Photo: Provided)
Cows suffering on a transport ship in Al Kuwait. (Photo: Provided)
“Animals at risk were discovered, including sick and injured animals. The NSPCA humanely euthanized eight cows on board, and other cows were also found dead. NSPCA Veterinary Consultant Dr. Bryce Malloch secured veterinary treatment for the other animals.”
NPSCA said the incident was a stark reminder that exporting animals by sea is “a gruesome and outdated practice that causes unnecessary suffering to sentient beings.”
“This highlights the urgent need for legal reform and increased global awareness to end this atrocity once and for all.” It causes pain, suffering, and suffering to many animals, including many animals.”
Concerns continue
The cows are understood to have been transported alive to Iraq to be slaughtered in accordance with religious customs, but local religious leaders said Expressed shock after seeing images of suffering cows on board published by daily maverick.
Mufti Saeed Haroon Al Azhari, chairman of the Cape Town Ulama Committee, a group of Sunni scholars, experts and religious leaders, said Islam was against animal suffering. .
“Islam teaches us compassion and kindness towards animals,” he said. daily maverick.
“There is a high degree of religious etiquette and requirements that must be met when preparing meat for Muslim consumption. We are shocked by the horrific footage shown from the ship and the conditions of the animals.” There is no place in the teachings for harm to humans or animals.”
Cape Town Ulama Committee executive member Sheikh Saeed Ridwan said he did not have enough information to comment on the export of live cattle to Iraq.
However, “there are rules for slaughtering for Muslim consumption. Animals may be slaughtered in Brazil under the strict supervision of Islamic leaders. However, we do not know why” [for the] Transportation of livestock. ”
The Southern African Faith Community and Environmental Institute (SAFCEI) Board of Directors, made up of representatives from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and the Braham Kumaris faiths, expressed shock at the dire conditions endured by the cows.
Dr. Bram Hanekom, Chairman of SAFCEI, said: “This raises questions we've been asking for a long time about the specific farming practices we see around us and the associated value chains of farming and how we do it.” We call for a thorough investigation by… We call on the government to take immediate action in line with current legislation. ”
Berthing permission
Cape Town Port Manager Rajesh Dana said the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) was aware of the concerns surrounding livestock carriers.
“TNPA's decision to allow the Al Kuwait to dock was made after a thorough evaluation of a variety of factors and in consultation with the state veterinarian, the Port Health Authority, and the Maritime Security Coordination Center.”
Dana maintained that the safety and well-being of the animals on board was paramount in making the decision.
“Port Health conducted an inspection of the vessel to ensure that all potential health issues were managed and controlled. Gave.
“TNPA continues to work closely with shipping agents, terminal operators, state veterinarians, port health authorities, border control authorities and the NSPCA to monitor the health of animals and reduce the risks associated with livestock vessels in port. to manage.”
according to it, Website, Al Kuwait is owned by the Kuwaiti company Al Mawashi. Attempts for comment from the ship's owner were unsuccessful. The NSPCA has taken the company to court multiple times. DM
