N
SPCA STEPS IN
PROPOSAL TO RITUALLY SLAUGHTER ANIMALS AT 2010 STADIUMS
The National Council of
SPCAs (N
SPCA) learned via the media that there was a proposal to slaughter animals in the traditional/ritual manner at stadiums where matches will be held in the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The N
SPCA does not condone or support the proposal.
Appreciation is expressed to Kirsten Nematandani, the President of the South African Football Association
(SAFA) for meeting with representatives of the N
SPCA to discuss the issue.
At this point the issue was a proposal. The N
SPCA made the specific request to be a role-player in any discussions if the matter were to move forward.
Via the media it was learned that the traditional slaughter had been supported by Minister Sicelo Shiceka, the Minster of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to whom the N
SPCA addressed a communication on 11 November 2009 requesting a meeting to discuss the matter.
The N
SPCA has now directed and sent a communication to all role-players including FIFA advising that no response has been received from Minister Shiceka and that “we find it unsatisfactory from a South African perspective that all we can report on is hitting the proverbial brick wall.”
The communication in the form of an open letter states, “Our organisation is coming under increasing pressure from public both within
South Africa and from overseas. We therefore urge that the
SPCA, the largest animal welfare organisation in South Africa empowered to enforce over 90% of animal welfare legislation and governed by Statute, is brought into any debate or decision-making.”
”It is appreciated that the issue is sensitive from many angles. We strongly urge that the N
SPCA is brought in as a role player and we ask for this necessary step to be taken.”
It is the duty and mandate of the N
SPCA to prevent cruelty to animals. This is and will remain our unequivocal stance. We add that protecting animals includes transportation, holding conditions as well as method of slaughter.
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