PARADISE – The fetid smell of the decomposing carcass of a dog putrefy the air.
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Allegedly dumped several weeks ago, the dead animal was found in a veld infested with rubbish along Pyrenees Place in Paradise.
Residents claimed the insalubrity had been reported to the municipality, but neither the carcass, nor the litter had been removed.
The Newcastle Advertiser was contacted by upset residents on September 26. Once again, the rotting carcass was reported to the relevant municipal departments on September 27, whereupon a member of the Waste Department undertook to have it removed immediately.
However, upon further investigation on October 2, the carcass was still there.
The Newcastle Advertiser received official response from the Community Services Waste Management on October 7.
Dr Thava Kelly of Community Services Waste Management said the municipality was informed of the carcass about three weeks ago by a municipal official who resided in the area, and a team was dispatched to remove the carcass.
She said in terms of Section 26 of the Waste Act, offenders who discarded any form of rubbish could be fined and charged if caught.
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“Residents should play a role in maintaining the cleanliness in their respective areas by reporting these offenders. Everyone has a right to clean and healthy environment.”
She emphasised it was irresponsible to discard a carcass in somebody else’s back yard.
“The Municipal Enforcement team will be charging people caught for illegal dumping.You act irresponsible, you pay the penalty, ” she cautioned.
Residents are urged to contact the municipality should they need a carcass to be removed. This will cost the resident a minimum fee of R37 depending on the size of the carcass.
Community Services can be contacted on 034 328 7727/24/26.
