Stray animals cause concern
Livestock owners are warned to prevent animals from straying onto public and national roads
The Ermelo Police’s Stock Theft Unit has reported an increase in the number of goats and other livestock roaming the roads on the outskirts of town as well as in residential areas.
It is often found that these animals are not marked, branded or tattooed according to the Animal Identification Act, Act 6 of 2000.
The public is reminded that it is the duty of livestock owners to mark their animals in the prescribed manner. Failure to do this can lead to prosecution.
Unmarked or unidentifiable animals present problems when arrests are made, as cases against offenders cannot be proven without positive identification.
The commander of the Ermelo Stock theft unit, Col J.S. Thela, said attempts will be made to visit farmers and stock owners to assist with marking their animals.
“As we approach the festive season, livestock owners are warned to prevent animals from straying onto public and national roads, as they cause disruption to the traffic flow and can cause fatal accidents. We also wish to remind livestock owners about section 7 of the Meat Safety Act, Act 40 of 2000, which prohibits the slaughtering of animals in any place other than an approved abattoir.”
He said it was important to note that permission to slaughter for cultural or traditional purposes must be obtained from the relevant department of the local municipality.
