It is necessary for the South African government to step in and not only give effect to the recognition of sentience of animals by our judiciary, but also to improve the level of protection that animals are afforded in South Africa. South Africa, a country that is on the forefront when it comes to the recognition and protection of human rights, was scored an “E” by World Animal Protection. This international NGO found South Africa lacking in respect of its commitment to improve and allocate resources to animal welfare, as well as in respect of developing laws to provide for sufficient protection of animals.
In its current form, the Animals Protection Amendment Bill, 2020 (“draft Bill”) therefore seeks to amend two Acts,
- the Animals Protection Act, 1962, (Act No. 71 of 1962) (“Animals Protection Act”), and
- the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act No. 54 of 1972) (“Foodstuffs and Cosmetics Act”).
- The amendment intends to prohibit the sale and manufacturing of cosmetics that were tested on an animal in the Republic and to criminalise the testing of cosmetics on animals.
We feel it needs to include far more.