ADELAIDE, Australia – The RSPCA South Australia has reported a series of distressing incidents involving livestock trucks in the region, resulting in the deaths of thousands of animals over the past six months. This has prompted calls for better training and practices for drivers involved in transporting animals.
According to RSPCA SA, there have been five truck rollovers in the past six months, leading to the deaths of nearly 1,800 animals. The organization described the scenes as “horrific” and highlighted the suffering experienced by the animals as a result of these accidents.
Chief inspector Andrew Baker emphasized the trauma experienced by the animals and the challenges faced by first responders and inspectors in dealing with the aftermath of these crashes. RSPCA SA noted a recent spike in livestock truck rollovers and called for the industry to prioritize appropriate training and care for the animals being transported.
The Livestock and Rural Transporters Association SA acknowledged the need for improved training programs for drivers, with a focus on the welfare and safe transportation of livestock. President David Smith highlighted the industry’s code of practice and emphasized the importance of developing comprehensive training programs to ensure the well-being of animals during transportation.
Livestock SA president Joe Keynes expressed concern over the incidents but also emphasized the need for collaboration between organizations and government authorities to address the issue. He suggested joining forces with the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association and the state government to find solutions aimed at preventing further accidents involving livestock trucks.
The South Australian government reiterated the importance of complying with animal welfare regulations when transporting livestock, emphasizing the need to meet loading density requirements. They also noted that vehicles registered interstate must comply with the state’s regulations when transporting livestock in South Australia.
The incidents have sparked discussions about the need for better training and industry practices to ensure the safety and well-being of animals during transportation, prompting calls for collaborative efforts to address the issue and prevent further accidents from occurring.