Page 7 - CON Boardpack Nov 20191021 v00-01

7. MATTERS ARISING FROM THESE MINUTES

7.1 Business Development J Kotzé, Dr P Evans
A protocol to be used by small-scale and commercial farmers when
the SPCA visits the farm

Dr Peter Evans reported that the SPCA was involved in the culling
procedures of ASF-affected pigs, which brought about a change in
their attitude towards the industry. They prefer not to cull the pigs
themselves but were unhappy with the way the state veterinarians
did it.

During a meeting with the SPCA, Grace de Lange raised concerns
over the cruelty of ear-notching and requested the industry to
change it. A desktop study will be done to establish what was done
globally. A survey should be conducted to determine how widely
ear-notching was done in South Africa and possible alternatives will
be researched.

Expectations were that multiple ear-notching would fall away and
that only one to two notches could be done per ear.

A long discussion took place during which an attempt was made to
convince the SPCA to stop targeting small-scale and commercial
farmers. The Board urged the SPCA to maintain the current
biosecurity policy and to adhere to the SANS standards rather than
set their own.

The industry will not be able to prevent them from visiting farms.

As far as sow housing was concerned the SPCA’s standpoint is that
all sows should have the freedom to turn around, a crate was
unacceptable. I.e. they endorse only group housing.

The Board commended Dr Peter Evans for the way they had dealt
with the SPCA. The board insisted that SPCA has to contact a farm
before visiting to ensure they abide by that farm’s biosecurity
protocols.

Dr Peter Evans said it could only be good for the industry if the SPCA
visits farms and speaks about the way commercial farmers treat
their pigs. If welfare advocates are prevented from visiting farms,
they immediately want to know what you have to hide.

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