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The focus for the Project is on the large scale, industrialised and intensive animal agricultural and production sector, specifically in relation to chickens in the Egg Industry, and where relevant other poultry (including broilers, among others). As such, our Reports does not include the informal sector, nor small scale and subsistence farming operations. Where appropriate, examples of other farmed animals, or examples from other jurisdictions have been incorporated, particularly where such information is not readily nor easily available in the SA context.

While government and public bodies have an essential role to play in ensuring the well-being and welfare of animals as well as the protection of the environment and human rights, the focus of our Reports is largely on the role of the private sector, specifically Corporations. Aspects of governmental and public body regulation and policies are highlighted and discussed; however, these aspects are not the focal point of our Reports.

As an organisation focused primarily on animal law, this is the predominant lens through which our nitial Report and Supplementary has been drafted and should be considered, i.e., the centering of animals, their interests, and their intrinsic worth in the dialogue. These Reports further aimed at providing information related to the environment and consumer protection as interrelated to animal protection. While social justice and environmental protection are critical components of the work of ALRSA, more research has been done in these areas as there are already a number of important organisations focusing on these aspects. As such, this Project aims to fill a gap within current research to additionally include animals and their welfare, flourishing and protection into this discussion, and the legal and policy tools which can be used to do this. Should the contents of the Initial Report and Supplementary Report affect the reputation or business interests of any company, organisation, government entity, or individual mentioned, it constitutes the truth and fair comment and is stated in the public interest.

The Initial Report and Supplementary Report is as a result of the preliminary research and the review performed by ALRSA and the co-authors and commenter as at the published date. It is published as at 3 August 2023 (revised  as at 26 September 2024) and 30 September 2024 respectively and is intended to provide only a summary of issues which may be relevant to the topic. It is limited in scope based on various factors. This is a non-exhaustive report intended to stimulate debate, research and law reform in the area of animal law, human rights, environmental law, consumer protection, and Corporate Accountability, particularly as it relates to food systems, and requires further context and information in relation to all of the issues included herein.

ALRSA has focused on selected regulatory aspects and has not considered all legal, economic, political, social, environmental, technological, and other relevant aspects pertinent to some of these issues. All such factors should be considered when pursuing any further work or research.

The focus of the Initial Report and Supplementary Report is on industrialised animal agricultural operations and practices occurring therein. Given the various types of such systems, these all have different considerations and consequences. Statements, observations and recommendations may / do / will not apply to small scale and extensive farming systems nor to other less harmful methods of animal agriculture including egg production and should not be constituted as allegations in relation thereto. It is explicitly recognised that animal agriculture including egg production is not all conducted in the same manner, and it is dependent on the particular farmer, facility, method of farming, geographic location and various other factors. Therefore, only generalised statements and recommendations are made focusing on harmful potential impacts of industrialised animal agriculture and are representative of what is understood in that context which may not be applicable to or appropriate for all animal agriculture and animal production, nor appropriate to all of the role-players and stakeholders mentioned in the Initial Report and Supplementary Report. Statements made will not apply to all facilities and stakeholders and should not be construed as such.

The Initial Report and Supplementary Report does not contain a detailed description of all relevant laws and policies, papers and each document reviewed. Its purpose is to set out those legal issues which ALRSA considers to be material. Reliance should not be placed solely on any of the summaries contained in the Initial Report and Supplementary Report, which are not intended to be exhaustive of the provisions of any document or circumstances. ALRSA reserves the right to amend and update the Initial Report and Supplementary Report including in light of new information and comments received. Unless otherwise expressly agreed by ALRSA in writing, no person is entitled to rely on the Initial Report and Supplementary Report and neither ALRSA nor the co-authors or commenter accept responsibility or liability to any party, whether in contract, delict (including negligence) or otherwise relating hereto.

This Project has been conducted and the Initial Report and Supplementary Report, drafted by a civil society organisation in the public interest. In particular, with regard to the protection of guaranteed constitutional rights in mind and in exercising of ALRSA’s right of freedom of expression as contained in the Constitution of the Republic of SA, 1996.

ALRSA is registered and established as a non-profit company and non-profit organisation. It is neither a registered law firm nor a law clinic. The Initial Report and Supplementary Report does not constitute legal advice.

The inclusion of any resources or referenced materials, sources or sites in the Initial Report and Supplementary Report does not constitute endorsement thereof, nor do ALRSA and/or the co-authors or commenter accept any responsibility for the content, or the use of or reliance upon same.

ALRSA aims to promote constructive dialogue and encourage responsible and ethical practices concerning animals, human and environmental rights, consumer protection, corporate transparency and accountability, among others.