Resident’s garden becomes a fast food outlet for goats
“I have lost a lot of money because of a neighbour's goats eating my plants. They have also got into my vegetable garden, which is my livelihood and have destroyed my plum and peach trees, and eaten my strawberry plants.”
The simplest pleasures can be found in gardening.
Cultivating a colourful garden with pride and joy, only to watch it literally being gobbled up by goats, is just frustrating and annoying.
For approximately two years, Kishore Mahabeer has been fighting a losing battle with goats finding his plants to be a tasty dish.
“I have lost a lot of money because of a neighbour’s goats eating my plants. They have also got into my vegetable garden, which is my livelihood and have destroyed my plum and peach trees, and eaten my strawberry plants.”
Apart from the animals using his garden as a fast food outlet, Mr Mahabeer mentioned the danger the animals posed to motorists.
In an article published in the Newcastle Sun on February 21, Strategic Executive Director of Community Services, Mandla Sithole, explained that while the pound for large animals was not yet operational, municipal by-laws allowed the roaming of animals as and when needed.
Mr Sithole added that until the animal pound was operational, problems regarding livestock in town should be referred to the police.
Mr Mahabeer felt that the municipality should take a stronger stance against livestock being kept in town.
“This is a residential area and not a place for livestock.”
Despite the municipality’s communication’s department being contacted for comment, none was forthcoming at the time of going to print.
