The livestock carrier ship Al Kuwait, which was blamed for an overpowering stench engulfing Cape Town, has departed for Iraq, according to an animal welfare group. The ship arrived in the city’s harbour from Brazil on Sunday to load feed for its cargo of 19,000 cows. However, residents soon began complaining about the nauseating smell emanating from the vessel.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) conducted an assessment of the cattle on board the livestock carrier and revealed shocking conditions. They described an abhorrent state of affairs, with an extreme build-up of faeces and urine, leaving the animals in distress. The cows had been confined on the ship for more than two weeks, and many were forced to rest in pools of their own excrement.
Following further inspections between Sunday and Tuesday, the NSPCA made a distressing discovery. Diseased and injured cattle were found on board, and in order to alleviate their suffering, eight had to be euthanised. Additionally, other animals were found dead. This incident has brought attention to the cruel and outdated practice of live export of animals by sea, prompting the NSPCA to renew their call for a complete ban on this form of transport.
The NSPCA emphasized that the live export of animals by sea causes unnecessary suffering to sentient beings. In a statement, the organization stated, “This incident serves as a stark reminder… that inflicts unnecessary suffering on sentient beings.”
Residents of Cape Town were deeply affected by the foul odour emanating from the Al Kuwait. Lerato Bashing, a local resident, described it as the worst stench she had ever encountered, claiming it felt stuck in the back of her throat like a bad aftertaste. Another resident expressed that the overwhelming odor was on par with their worst imaginings and made them reluctant to breathe.
The departure of the Al Kuwait marks the end of a troubling chapter for Cape Town and raises important questions about the live export industry’s treatment of animals. The vessel is now en route to Iraq, with approximately 19,000 cows still on board.
Live cattle transport by sea has long been a contentious issue globally, primarily due to the concerns surrounding animal welfare. The recent incident with the Al Kuwait highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the humane treatment of animals during transportation.
Animal rights activists and welfare organizations continue to push for a complete ban on live cattle transport by sea. They argue that alternative methods, such as the transportation of chilled or frozen meat, should be prioritized to prevent unnecessary suffering and improve animal welfare standards.
As this case in Cape Town reignites the debate surrounding live animal exports, there is a growing call for African nations to reassess their regulations and standards for animal welfare during transportation to ensure that the suffering of sentient beings is minimized.
This incident underscores the broader ethical and environmental implications of live animal exports. Beyond the immediate cruelty and suffering inflicted on the animals, this practice also poses significant environmental risks, including pollution and the potential for disease transmission. The Al Kuwait’s presence in Cape Town brought these issues into sharp focus, prompting discussions about the sustainability of such practices in an increasingly environmentally conscious world.
Critics argue that the industry’s impact extends far beyond the welfare of the animals, affecting local communities and global ecosystems. This has led to calls for a reevaluation of not just the ethics of live animal exports, but also their role in a world grappling with climate change and seeking more sustainable practices.
