Bystanders hurled stones and other missiles at animal welfare staff sent to rescue chickens after a truck carrying 3000 of them overturned on a highway in Johannesburg.
The truck crashed on the N12 highway close to Lenasia and Westonaria‚ west of Johannesburg‚ on Tuesday.
National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) staff were sent to rescue the chickens but some were so badly injured that they had to be put down.
They were joined by SPCA members from Roodeport and Westonaria who helped transfer the birds to another truck.
"It is noted with sadness that bystanders became hostile to the extent of throwing stones and other missiles at the rescue team and officers of the SAPS and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officers at the scene‚" said the NSPCA in a statement on Wednesday.
"Undeterred and‚ thankfully‚ unharmed‚ the team continued to assist the animals. Damage was sustained to an NSPCA vehicle belonging to and used by the Farm Animal Protection Unit."
More chickens had to be euthanised after they were taken to a farm and examined.
The chickens involved in the accident were loaded in Standerton and were on their way to a cull outlet in the Randfontein area.
"These birds have been used as intensive breeding machines throughout their short lives‚ then when of no further commercial use‚ they were packed into crates and destined for sale in the open air to the informal market‚" said the NSPCA. - TMG Digital
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