A catastrophic breakdown at a South African state-owned poultry company has resulted in the euthanization of over 350,000 chickens, after the birds were left starving and began turning on each other in acts of cannibalism. The horrific incident unfolded when Daybreak Foods, owned by the government’s Public Investment Corporation, failed to provide sufficient feed due to financial difficulties.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) was forced to intervene, dispatching officers to multiple farming sites in the northern part of the country. Conditions were described as extremely distressing, with many birds emaciated and resorting to cannibalism in the absence of food. While more than half a million chickens were rescued, the scope of death and suffering among the rest remains unclear.
The issue came to light on April 30, when the NSPCA received reports from one affected farm. Subsequent investigations revealed similar scenes across at least five additional locations. Officials determined that the surviving chickens were unfit for slaughter due to their poor physical condition.
Without a viable alternative, animal welfare officers began the grim process of humanely culling the birds over several days, an operation involving around 75 personnel. The toll on staff was reportedly significant, both physically and emotionally, due to the scale and severity of the crisis.
Daybreak Foods has not publicly addressed the full scope of the disaster, though a spokesperson attributed the neglect to feed delivery issues caused by financial instability. Authorities have since opened discussions with company leadership regarding the situation, while the NSPCA has pledged to pursue legal action for violations of animal welfare laws.
