Warning to owners after dogs photographed in Reserve
Do you know whose dogs these are?
DOGS are still being spotted in the Springside Nature Reserve, despite warnings to residents to prevent them entering this forbidden area.
Appeals by the Hillcrest Conservancy and Hillcrest Park Neighbourhood Watch (HPNW) to residents about dogs killing duikers in the Reserve were made via articles in The Hilltop, Highway Mail, online and in the Hillcrest Park Neighbourhood Watch newsletter.
A Hillcrest resident was made aware that her dogs were getting into the Reserve and were responsible for some of the killings. Attempts to confine her dogs proved fruitless and so she handed over two dogs to the Kloof & Highway SPCA. Inspector, Nikki Vacy-Lyle confirmed that the woman hand surrendered her dogs of her own initiative after realising she couldn’t stop them escaping from the property.
Shaun Lyle, Chairman from HPNW confirmed that there hadn’t been a killing reported in five days which appears to support the fact that these dogs were the main culprits. However, pictures were taken recently by the HPNW of a Rottweiler, Labrador and x-breed in the Reserve in an area where duiker are found. This is not the first time that the Rottie has been seen and is according to Shaun “a major issue”. The owners of these dogs are asked to stop their dogs entering the Reserve or risk action being taken.
“With the rare and unique benefit of having a conservancy in the heart of Hillcrest it is totally unacceptable that irresponsible and disinterested residents do not restrain their dogs, not only is this a bylaw requirement but a moral and ethical issue as well. Our game is particularly vulnerable during the breeding season,” said Shaun.
HPNW has been tasked with recording sightings of wildlife while on patrol in the area and also identifying possible and potential threats to the wildlife.
“Poaching and snaring remain a problem for which we have zero tolerance, no ifs, no buts, no excuses, no exceptions. We welcome any information that could assist with identifying and prosecuting anyone directly or indirectly responsible for any harm done to the flora and forna in Hillcrest. Similar efforts to protect the wild arum lilies and challenge illegal harvesting has been positive, general awareness is now heightened.”
Anyone who sees a dog in the Reserve or knows who the owners of the dogs in the photos belong to are asked to contact Shaun Lyle by email: hillcrestpark@mweb.co.za.
