Animals 'starved' at prison farms over budget cuts [video]

7 Views

The National SPCA has criticised the Department of Correctional Services bid to essentially “starve” animals kept for consumption at prison farms around the country. This comes amid the budget cuts across the board.

The department is headed by Minister Pieter Groenewald, who has facilitated a crackdown on unlawful practices as well as cost-saving measures.

SPCA SAYS PRISON BUDGET CUTS ‘STARVE’ ANIMALS

In their latest report, the SPCA noted with concern how the Department of Correctional Services’s “cost-containment measures” would affect animals living on prison farms around the country.

This included animals such as pigs, cattle, sheep, and chickens used for meat, eggs, and milk, as well as horses in mounted units and dogs from canine units.

Currently, 21 prisons around the country have self-sustaining farms used to grow food and fully functional, registered abattoirs.

Earlier this week, the SPCA met with both the National and Gauteng Regional Departments, where budget cuts were formally acknowledged. In it

In it, Elizabeth Lupele – the National Director for Production Workshops and Agriculture within the department – stated that she had recently encountered starving animals at the Baviaanspoort Correctional Centre.

According to Lupele, witnessing “pigs screaming” had left her “traumatised.”

The SPCA confirmed the news after conducting inspections at prison farms around the county. Their findings revealed that animals were receiving insufficient and inappropriate feed, which was being rationed due to shortages.

The animal activists urged the Department of Correctional Services to reduce its livestock numbers in accordance with their budget and food supply.

The organisation said: “Our concern is for the estimated one million animals kept at agricultural correctional facilities, who are made to suffer under the guise of “cost-containment”. Animals who depend entirely on humans for their welfare.

“The Minister of Correctional Services must intervene urgently to ensure that this issue is addressed on a national level, failing which all animals should be removed. Either way, those responsible for the neglect and suffering of animals will be held accountable”.

LESS BEEF AND CHICKEN ON PLATES TOO

Like animals on prison farms, inmates in correctional facilities around the country have also been affected by budget cuts.

Last month, the Department of Correctional Services introduced a new meal plan for prisoners. This includes less red meat, chicken, and fish and more “cheaper alternatives” like soya products.

The Department of Correctional Services are introducing a new plan with less beef and chicken. This comes amid the department’s budget cuts.
Images via Pixabay/ Canva

According to reports, the department spends around R500 a day for each prisoner’s expenses.

Department spokesperson Singabhako Nxumalo told eNCA: “It is more than just a matter of costs involved. It’s about flexibility so at least there is a variety than having to consume the same items”.