Al KUWAIT stinks out Cape Town

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has conducted an inspection of the MV Al Kuwait , which is currently docked at Cape Town Harbour. They were alerted to its presence by the odour: "The vessel, emitting a foul odour that has spread over the city, prompted the NSPCA to seek access through a court order after initial denial."

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA made an application for and was granted a court order to enter the Al Kuwait to ensure the welfare of the animals on board but had to enlist the assistance of Sea Border SAPS after initially being denied access. Personnel from the NSPCA and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA began their inspection of the 19,000 cattle aboard the Al Kuwait yesterday accompanied by  the Sea Border SAPS to ensure the safety of the team. The pictures give a good indication of the animal welfare onboard the ship. Reportedly some animals were euthanased on humane grounds. The vessel, carrying 19 000 cattle, departed from Brazil on February 10, 2024, and somewhat unusually (given the Al Kuwait picked up food in Fremantle before heading to Brazil), is scheduled to load feed for the animals before proceeding to its intended destination in the Middle East.

We have connected them with our colleagues in Brazil. Recall that our Brazil colleagues won a court case in April 2023 to ban live export. That ruling is being reviewed by a full bench of judges (after industry cried ‘bias’ and ‘unfairness’). This has delayed the effect of the ruling until the bench clears the judgment. Then industry has an opportunity to appeal it but the ban will be activated even if there is an appeal, and would be overturned if the industry wins the appeal.


See: https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/02/19/nspca-investigating-ship-exuding-horrendous-smell-carrying-about-19k-cattle-at-cape-town-harbour
See: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=936534937866681&set=pcb.936535461199962