Adelaide, Australia – The RSPCA in South Australia is raising the alarm about a series of tragic incidents. Thousands of livestock have perished in truck rollovers over the past six months, prompting calls for better training and practices to prevent further suffering.
The distressing scenes unfolded in five separate crashes, leading to a significant loss of animal life. In January alone, nearly 1,800 animals either died or had to be euthanized as a result of two devastating accidents. The head of Livestock SA expressed concern over the loss of animal life, emphasizing the need for action to address the issue.
According to RSPCA SA, the suffering experienced by the animals following the crashes has been described as “horrific” and “horrendous” by chief inspector Andrew Baker. He stressed the need for the industry to implement appropriate training and practices to ensure the welfare of the animals during transportation.
The organization is not accusing the drivers involved of any wrongdoing, but is urging them to recognize their responsibility in caring for the animals they transport. Notably, three drivers are set to appear in court for rollovers that occurred in the previous year, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
In response to these tragic events, the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association SA is looking to provide additional training programs for drivers. President David Smith highlighted the industry’s duty of care for the animals and emphasized the need for comprehensive training in South Australia and beyond.
Livestock SA president Joe Keynes emphasized the importance of collaboration between relevant organizations and the government to address the issue effectively. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson reiterated the legal requirements for truck drivers when transporting livestock, emphasizing the need to comply with regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.
The series of unfortunate incidents has sparked a call for industry-wide cooperation and action to prevent further tragedies, underscoring the importance of prioritizing the welfare of animals in transportation.