The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has initiated criminal proceedings against Daybreak Farms, following what has been described as one of the most horrifying animal welfare violations in recent South African history. The organization claims that over one million chickens were left to suffer or die in dire conditions at various facilities managed by the poultry producer.
According to the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit, the inspections revealed overcrowded facilities where birds were malnourished, injured, or dying. Some chickens had been left without food or water for extended periods, forcing them into cannibalistic behavior in a desperate attempt to survive. Many birds were too weak to stand, and others were suffering from untreated injuries, infections, and open wounds.
Senior Inspector Nazareth Appalsamy, who led the investigation, expressed deep concern, saying that no animal should be subjected to such cruelty, let alone on this massive scale. He described the scenes as distressing and likened the situation to a “massacre.” The organization reported that many birds died due to starvation, while thousands had to be humanely euthanized to end their suffering.
A court case was brought before the Gauteng High Court, where the judge ruled in favor of the NSPCA. The court issued a final order holding the company’s board accountable for breaching their duty of care under South African animal welfare laws. The ruling also acknowledged that mismanagement and financial struggles were central to the crisis.
The court ordered Daybreak Farms to immediately stop inhumane culling practices, ensure regular feeding and veterinary care, suspend the introduction of new chicks until inspections are completed, grant full access to inspectors, and pay legal costs incurred by the NSPCA. However, the implementation of these orders has been delayed due to the company’s entry into business rescue.
On May 20, Daybreak Farms entered business rescue under South African corporate law, which temporarily halts enforcement actions and puts financial liabilities on hold. This legal development has complicated efforts by the NSPCA to recover more than R580,000 spent on emergency care and operations to save the affected birds.
The company’s leadership appointed a business rescue practitioner to oversee recovery efforts. Daybreak’s board expressed hope that this move would protect thousands of jobs and help restructure the company’s operations. Nevertheless, the NSPCA insists that justice for the animals must not be sidelined in the process.
In previous inspections at other Daybreak Farms locations, inspectors found similar levels of neglect. Thousands of birds died due to a lack of care, and large-scale euthanasia had to be carried out to prevent further suffering. At least 350,000 chickens were reportedly lost to starvation and disease, with another 500,000 surviving but in extremely poor health.
The NSPCA has made a public appeal for donations to continue monitoring the farms and ensuring animal welfare standards are upheld. The organization remains committed to seeking justice and setting a legal precedent that corporate leaders will be held accountable for mass animal cruelty.
