H KOTZE of Edleen writes:
I read your article on the man caught hunting with dogs outside Serengeti with interest.
This man was hungry, he did not steal or beg at a traffic light. He called his dogs and went hunting for rabbits. Much the same as a youngster going shooting for pigeons with his .22 or windbuks and cooking them.
Youngsters growing up on farms or plots will tell you all about it. In the African culture a hunter and his dogs are inseparable. They are his means of income. A worthy occupation.
Also read:
• Man (25) arrested for hunting rabbits with dogs at Serengeti
It is difficult for us, living in upmarket estates, to understand what hunger and honour is. The concepts get hazy in our Western culture. A few months ago, someone shot a wild buck roaming the golf course in Edleen. Was he prosecuted for endangering our wildlife? Or did he enjoy his biltong?
Please understand, I am not advocating indiscriminate hunting, being a great nature lover myself. I am also a dog lover and wonder whether it is lawful to confiscate his dogs.
If they are grossly neglected, the SPCA has full rights to intervene. But they are his livelihood. Can he not retain some of them? He is probably very fond of them. A hunter’s dogs are usually his pride.
I appeal to all involved to judge fairly and to do best for all involved. This man is no criminal.
