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Understanding the significance of animal welfare within environmental protection laws, highlighting regulatory frameworks, roles of domestic animals, applicable legislation, policy developments, and stakeholders involved in South Africa.
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Animal Welfare issues as pertains to the Environmental Protection lawsBriefing of the Joint Constitutional Review Committee Motseki Hlatshwayo Department of Agriculture
INTRODUCTION • Domestic animals have played important role in: • social, cultural, economic & agricultural history of SA • as providers of food, fibre, draught power, for recreational purposes, for cultural & ceremonial purposes, for research purposes, as working animals (guide dogs, sheep dogs, security dogs etc.) & as pets • Caring for these animals (animal welfare) not only makes economic sense as far as management is concerned, but it is becoming a key factor in trade & animal health protocols
INTRODUCTION (CONT’D) • To be in a position give long-term assurances both locally & internationally we need a culture of caring for our animal resources • supported by realistic & appropriate policy • effective legislation & regulation • DoA is currently developing capacity in Animal Welfare (Care) • to facilitate the development of a culture of caring through a framework that includes guidelines, norms & standards that take cognizance of the socio economic and socio cultural role & multiple uses of animals in South Africa.
ANIMAL WELFARE IN SA • The welfare of animals in SA is regulated by 2 pieces of legislation • Animals Protection Act, 1962 (Act No. 71 of 1962) • Performing Animals Protection Act, 1935 (Act No. 24 of 1935) • A third legislation, the Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (Act No. 169 of 1993) governs the organization & management of the NSPCA & has no other application
ANIMALS • Animals used for breeding & production • Animals used for agricultural & other research • Draught animals • Working animals (Sheep dogs) • Security animals • Animals used for sport & recreation • Game animals used for farming purposes • Companion & captive animals • Zoo & performing animals
DoA POSITION • Having assumed the responsibility for animal welfare, DoA reviewed the SA welfare status & the following action points were identified: • Need for a general policy focusing on the welfare of animals • Specific guidelines/ codes/norms & standards to monitor & control the multitude of activities involving animals (to also include activities of animal welfare organizations) • A National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) • One animal welfare Act
ACTIVITIES • Codes of Good Practice/Guidelines needed for the following activities: • Animal housing & handling facilities • Management practices (dehorning, castration, etc.) • Transport of animals • Feedlots & slaughter • Sporting activities • Working animals (Draught, sheep dogs, etc.) • Animal pounds • Farm animal welfare organizations & inspectors • The care of animals used for research • Establishment & management of kennels • Captive animals • Companion animals/pets
STAKEHOLDERS • NSPCA • LWCC • Industry (all commodities) • DEAT, DOJ & CD, SAPS • ARC & Universities • Other Animal Welfare Organizations • SAVC • PDoAs, PDoEAs