From sabc.co.za

A routine inspection of the GWK abattoir and feedlot in De Aar in the Northern Cape revealed the ill-treatment of lambs and sheep through “extreme rough handling and bodily injuries” caused by inept shearing as reported by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).

NSPCA says criminal charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act will be laid against the Manager of the feedlot at the abattoir, the management of the BKB shearing team and four employees from that team as accepted industry standards were contravened.

Senior inspector Grace de Lange of the NSPCA’s Farm Animal Protection Unit describes the scene,

“I observed sheep being dragged by one of their hind legs. Some sheep were dragged upside down and parts of their bodies – including their heads – banged into the railings as they were pulled in that manner. I witnessed sheep being dragged by their ears and fleece, including being pulled over another sheep that was in a recumbent position. This particular sheep needed assistance to enable it to stand.”
“Visual evidence of lambs and sheep with bleeding wounds will be enclosed in the docket as supporting evidence.”

GWK Meat who exclusively exports market products to Food Lover’s Market, Free Range Karoo Lamb, Fresh by Nature Lamb, Woolworths Free Range and Makro Natural Karoo Lamb, responded quickly to the incident and addressed the matter “fully” with BKB who is the service provider for sheep shearing at the facility.

According to Mr Wim van Rooyen, GWK’s General Manager for Auctions and Meat, the company is committed to handling all animals at GWK’s facilities with care.

to read the whole story go to http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/aba20380476c64919be7db4602d973ea/NSCPA-to-lay-c