NSPCA flags feed shortages at South African correctional facilities

SOUTH AFRICA – The National Council of SPCAs has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Correctional Services following renewed concerns over inadequate animal feeding at agricultural correctional centres, citing budget and procurement failures.

The organisation said the situation reflects a breakdown in compliance with the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, placing thousands of farm animals at risk. 

The issue follows a similar intervention in March 2025, when inspections revealed that animals across several facilities were not being fed due to funding constraints.

“Our inspections have found that animals are again not receiving adequate species-specific feed, mainly due to budget and procurement failures,” said NSPCA spokesperson Samanta Stelli. 

“As a result, some animals have had to be humanely euthanised to prevent further suffering.”

The NSPCA confirmed it has requested immediate corrective action and warned that legal steps may follow if conditions do not improve.

Feed procurement gaps highlight system challenges

Correctional services officials acknowledged the challenges, noting that livestock operations within facilities serve dual roles in food production and skills development. 

Animals are used to supply meat for inmate consumption, reducing reliance on external procurement and supporting training programmes in animal husbandry.

According to the ministry, efforts are underway to stabilise feed supply through improved coordination and budgeting. 

The department has allocated R176.3 million (approx. US$9.4 million) for animal feed in the 2026/27 financial year, up from R164.5 million (approx. US$8.8 million) in 2025/26.

“Communication channels between the NSPCA and the department have now been reestablished, which we believe will improve coordination and response to animal welfare concerns,” said media liaison officer Euné Wessels.

The ministry added that future budgets will be more closely aligned with actual feed requirements, with a focus on timely payment of suppliers to prevent disruptions.

The situation highlights broader challenges in institutional feed procurement and supply chain management, particularly in public-sector systems, where delays and funding gaps can directly affect animal welfare and productivity.

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