No clarity on date for farm pound leaves cattle on roads
The SPCA are still busy with negotiations for farm pound status as a possible solution for stray cattle problem.
MBOMBELA – Stray cattle are still widespread on the city’s roads. Lowvelder found them on the Kaapsehoop Road last week, while reports of cattle walking on the N4 at Halls have been received.
Lowvelder previously reported that a farm pound might be the solution to the problem. The SPCA has applied for farm pound status and as soon as it has reached an agreement with the City of Mbombela Local Municipality, it will be able to impound the strays.
“We are still busy with negotiations. We do not yet have the proper equipment to do the job, but this will all be sorted out once we get farm pound status,”
said Nelspruit SPCA vice-chairman Ludi Botha, stating that they need equipment like a trailer, horseboxes, loading bays and camps.
READ ALSO: SPCAs with pound status a possible solution for stray cattle problem
According to community safety, security and liaison spokesman, Moeti Mmusi, the cattle on the roads have been an ongoing problem.
“With regards to safety, it is the responsibility of the cattle owners to look after their livestock. They are quick to claim the cattle when they are impounded but nobody ever wants to come forward when the cattle cause an accident,”
Mmusi said.
He urged owners to hire workers to look after their cattle permanently and condemned letting their animals wander free as irresponsible behaviour. Mmusi could not confirm a date for the pending farm pound.
READ ALSO: Cattle disrupting traffic in Mbombela
