ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in South Australia has reported a series of truck rollovers that have resulted in the deaths of thousands of animals over the past six months. The organization is now calling for improved training for drivers to prevent further incidents.
According to RSPCA SA, there have been five truck rollovers in the region, with two of them occurring in January alone. These accidents led to the deaths of nearly 1,800 animals, prompting the organization to label the scenes as “horrific.”
Andrew Baker, chief inspector at RSPCA SA, described the suffering of the animals involved in the rollovers as “horrendous.” The organization has noted a recent increase in livestock truck rollovers and is urging the industry to implement better training and practices to ensure the welfare of the animals being transported.
In response to these incidents, the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association SA is looking to provide training programs for drivers. President David Smith stated that livestock carriers have a duty of care for the animals they transport, and the association is working towards a universal training program across Australia.
Joe Keynes, president of Livestock SA, acknowledged the concerning nature of these incidents but emphasized the importance of collaboration to prevent further accidents. He suggested that the RSPCA, Livestock SA, the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, and the state government work together to address the issue and minimize the impact on animals.
The South Australia government has also emphasized the need for truck drivers to abide by animal welfare regulations when transporting livestock, including meeting loading density requirements. While vehicles registered interstate are not required to be inspected in South Australia, they must comply with the state’s livestock loading regulations.
The RSPCA and other organizations are advocating for a holistic approach to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of better training, improved practices, and collaboration among stakeholders to prevent further incidents and ensure the welfare of animals being transported.