Capetonians twitched their noses in disgust on Monday as an overpowering stench, described as a combination of sewage, rotten fish, cow dung and goat urine, wafted across the CBD and nearby suburbs.
Residents took to social media to complain about the foul odour, subsequently confirmed to be emanating from a ship carrying livestock that docked overnight at Cape Town harbour.
⚠️ UPDATE | REPORTS REGARDING FOUL SMELL ACROSS THE CBD | 10:00 | Environmental Health have confirmed that the source of the smell across the city is a ship in the harbour. The ship arrived last night and is carrying cattle. It is due to leave the port tonight at 9pm. pic.twitter.com/DoXEHNqBQS
— Dr Zahid Badroodien (@ZahidBadroodien) February 19, 2024
“Environmental health have confirmed the source of the smell across the city is a ship in the harbour,” said the city's MMC for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien
Several observers on social media inquired about the condition of the animals on the vessel.
How to describe the smell to someone who isn’t in the Cape Town? it’s like a sewage that’s blocked and decided to explode, mix that smell with rotten fish smell from the harbour, then add cow dung and goat pee.
— Victor Mkhetsane (@VictorMkhetsane) February 19, 2024
That’s what it smells like. It’s so distinct and off putting.
The National Council of SPCAs said its team, including veterinary consultant Dr Bryce Marock, was aboard the Al Kuwait to assess the welfare of the animals in co-operation with the captain.
The ship, carrying 19,000 cattle bound for Iraq from Brazil, is loading feed in the harbour.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by members of the public regarding the noticeable stench emanating from the ship and reaching the city centre and surrounds,” said the NSPCA.
“The smell is indicative of the awful conditions the animals endure, having already spent nearly three weeks on board with a build-up of faeces and ammonia. The stench on board is unimaginable but the animals face this every day.”
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