There is widespread unhappiness over the sharp increase in stray livestock that can be seen grazing in the central business district (CBD), on school fields and roaming in the streets on a daily basis.

A trio of donkeys have taken to visiting the Berea area which is also frequented by goats and cows. Dundee Secondary School was ‘invaded” by a herd of cows before schools partially re-opened. Glencoe residents also called the Courier to complain about residents keeping sheep and cattle on their properties which is apparently against the by-laws.

Confusion reigns supreme over exactly who is responsible for clearing away the animals that pose a danger to motorists. The operator manning the municipality’s emergency number (034-21-22222) advises residents to contact the SAPS. 

The police in turn say it is a municipal or Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) issue. Traffic officials maintain that even if the animals are rounded up, there is no place to take them, as the Municipal Pound off Smith Street has not been operational for several years – despite undergoing a million-rand upgrade about four years ago.

It is understood that a tender has not yet been awarded for the manning of the Pound. 
The nearest other Pound is in Dannhauser and officials say they do not have the logistics to transport the confiscated animals there. 

FC Bester of the Endumeni Residents Association said that with hygiene in the minds of all residents since the Covid-19 pandemic onslaught, he is concerned that these stray animals could compromise the health of residents and help spread disease.
“There appears to be little control. There is also concern that most of these animals do not have brand marks.”

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