High court rules that poultry dubbing contravenes Animals Protection Act

South Gauteng High Court judge Willem Van der Linde ruled that the dubbing of chickens constitutes a contravention of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962. The Eastern Cape Poultry Club brought forward an application for a declaration order to state that the practice of dubbing poultry show birds does not contravene any provisions of the Animals Protection Act.

Dubbing is the procedure of removing the comb, wattles, and sometimes earlobes of poultry. The South African Show Poultry Organisation (Saspo) resolved in its show rules and standards that the dubbing of show poultry should not be permitted in line with the ruling.

Furthermore, the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) supports the view of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) and stated that dubbing of show poultry is unacceptable and that veterinarians performing the procedure for any other than a valid health, welfare, and management reason may be charged for unprofessional conduct.