Municipality warns against dumping carcasses
This constitutes a criminal offence that is punishable with a fine of up to R30,000, imprisonment or both.
Newcastle Municipality has released an official statement following the grim discovery of several animal carcasses dumped in Van Der Bijl and Marconi streets in the Riverside Industrial area.
The municipality said the growing number of complaints from residents and businesses about illegal dumping was concerning, particularly the dumping of dead animal carcasses in open veld, along riverbanks, next to municipal bins and on vacant stands.
“This practice is not only illegal and inhumane, but poses a severe threat to public health and the environment. The municipality strongly condemns this conduct and warns that offenders will be prosecuted,” said Mthandeni Myende, the municipality’s spokesperson.
Dumping poses health and environmental risks
Myende said the indiscriminate dumping of animal carcasses has severe consequences.
“As the bodies decompose, they produce harmful leachate that pollutes the soil, groundwater and river systems.”
He added that the remains attract flies, rodents and disease-causing organisms, creating a serious public health risk through the spread of zoonotic infections such as rabies, anthrax, salmonellosis, E. coli and botulism.
Furthermore, he said the foul odour and airborne bacteria from rotting carcasses degrades air quality and negatively affects the well-being of nearby communities.
Dumped animal remains in streams, rivers and storm-water systems can also cause blockages, resulting in flooding and disruption to municipal services.
Offenders could face fines or imprisonment
Myende reminded residents that the illegal dumping of animal carcasses is a criminal offence under both municipal and national law.
According to the statement, Section 5 and 12 of the Newcastle Municipality Integrated Waste Management By-laws – published in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Gazette on May 3, 2018 – prohibit anyone from dumping or storing putrid animal remains in any public place, open veld or undesignated area. Such waste must only be disposed of at an approved municipal landfill site.
“Offenders may face a fine of up to R30,000, imprisonment or both. They may also be charged for clean-up and rehabilitation costs.”
The municipality said this is further reinforced by national legislation, including the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 59 of 2008, which prohibits unlawful waste disposal that endangers health and the environment.
The Animals Protection Act, 71 of 1962, criminalises cruelty, including inhumane killing and improper disposal. The Animal Diseases Act, 35 of 1984, requires carcasses of diseased animals to be disposed of under veterinary supervision.
The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998, also places a duty of care on every person to prevent environmental pollution.
Residents who need assistance or want to report a carcass or illegal dumping can contact the Municipal Waste Management and Cleansing Section on 034 328 7724.
The municipality concluded by saying it would be intensifying its law enforcement operations, including spot fines and clean-up campaigns.
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