SPCA, govt clash over cattle export to Mauritius

The Namibian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the ministry of agriculture are at loggerheads over the handling and alleged lack of transparency surrounding the export of 3 000 cattle to Mauritius via the port of Walvis Bay last Sunday.

Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has defended both the export and the process followed, insisting that all required permits were issued and that the transaction complied fully with the law.

She was responding in parliament yesterday amid mounting criticism from lawmakers and the SPCA over what they describe as insufficient oversight at the Walvis Bay loading site.

The controversy has been amplified by the SPCA, which says it was “gravely concerned” when its staff and other animal welfare representatives were denied access to the Walvis Bay docking site on 22 March, preventing its inspectors from monitoring the loading process and the welfare of the animals.

"This lack of support to allow independent oversight raises serious welfare and accountability questions and undermines public trust in the humane treatment of animals in transit."

The SPCA cited well-documented research on the harm caused to livestock during long sea voyages, including stress, injury, dehydration, heat exposure and even death.

The SPCA said the event highlighted serious transparency concerns.

"The docking of an animal transport ship in Walvis Bay was kept quiet, unlike the announcements for passenger cruisers and others. When welfare oversight is rejected, accountability for potential neglect, distress or injuries becomes vague," the organisation warned.

Government defends process

In response to concerns raised in parliament, Zaamwani yesterday said the ministry had only learned about the large transoceanic shipment of live animals over the weekend.

"This was a private transaction with auctioneers. As we normally do, farmers take their cattle to auction, and buyers purchase them. Where the cattle go thereafter, whether to feedlots or export, is beyond that point."

She stressed that the ministry’s role was limited to ensuring legal compliance.

“We issued the necessary export permits as required, and all levies for cattle exported on the hoof were duly paid to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia."

The minister was responding to questions from member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who pressed government on transparency and inclusivity regarding the new export market.

"The public and the farming business community want to understand this new market, how it was identified and how it will benefit farmers at grassroots level,” Kandorozu said.

He also highlighted longstanding frustrations with access to the South African market.

“Previously, that market was very restrictive. Only certain individuals could enter into agreements with feedlot operators, and farmers were often referred to specific intermediaries who dominated the trade,” he said.

“With this new niche market in Mauritius, how will the government ensure that the benefits reach communal farmers? And how will farmers be supported to directly access and participate in this trade route?” he asked.

More to be shipped

Zaamwani acknowledged that Mauritius represents a growing market with strong demand.

“They are expected to return next month for a similar number of cattle. We now need to engage stakeholders to ensure the benefits are spread more equitably among farmers,” she said.

The shift comes as Namibia’s traditional export pipeline to South Africa weakens, largely due to biosecurity concerns linked to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

“We could not take that risk under the current circumstances,” Zaamwani said.

Government is now pivoting towards strengthening local capacity, including expanding feedlot infrastructure.

“We are developing our own feedlot market. Work is ongoing at Etunda in the northern communal areas, and we are exploring further opportunities on this side of the veterinary cordon fence to build a more inclusive and integrated system,” Zaamwani explained.

Create jobs, ensure welfare

The SPCA this week stressed that reducing long-distance live transport, especially where welfare observers are precluded from access, aligns with broader ethical and international welfare objectives.

“In-country slaughter in Namibia, when done under stringent welfare standards, can mitigate stress and risk to animals during transport,” the organisation said.

“Moreover, local slaughter can create local jobs across the value chain, contributing to regional economic activity and wage opportunities.”

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