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Johannesburg - Over 70 ostriches died after being left to starve on a farm in Vleiland in the Western Cape, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) said on Monday.
Around 40 carcasses of adult ostriches and 30 dead chicks were found at Beestekraal Farm on Saturday, NSPCA spokesperson Grace de Lange said in a statement.
"Five ostrich were [also] euthanized, being considered beyond saving and suffering in their state of extreme emaciation," de Lange said.
About 630 remaining ostriches, both adults and chicks, survived and were being fed by the NSPCA.
The animals were not fed because the farmer was in financial difficulty and could not afford feed, De Lange said.
An individual reported the matter to the animal welfare organisation.
De Lange said the delay in being contacted led to unnecessary suffering and death for the birds.
"No matter what the reason may be, if animals and their welfare are being compromised let us know and the sooner the better," she said.
The farmer would be charged under the Animals Protection Act.
Around 40 carcasses of adult ostriches and 30 dead chicks were found at Beestekraal Farm on Saturday, NSPCA spokesperson Grace de Lange said in a statement.
"Five ostrich were [also] euthanized, being considered beyond saving and suffering in their state of extreme emaciation," de Lange said.
About 630 remaining ostriches, both adults and chicks, survived and were being fed by the NSPCA.
The animals were not fed because the farmer was in financial difficulty and could not afford feed, De Lange said.
An individual reported the matter to the animal welfare organisation.
De Lange said the delay in being contacted led to unnecessary suffering and death for the birds.
"No matter what the reason may be, if animals and their welfare are being compromised let us know and the sooner the better," she said.
The farmer would be charged under the Animals Protection Act.
