Stray dogs kill 26 sheep on farm near Standerton
According to information gathered at the scene, the dogs allegedly fled towards Rooikoppen and Ext 7 in Sakhile after being chased away.
Members of Team Ngenelela, a crime-fighting organisation based in Sakhile, have raised concerns following an incident in which dogs allegedly from Rooikopen and Ext 7 attacked livestock at Eike Boerdery Farm on May 24.
According to the organisation’s leader, Pheello Mlotshwa, he was contacted by the farm owner regarding dogs that caused destruction on the farm.
“I went to the farm situated along Roberts Drift Road, a few kilometres outside Sakhile, where six dogs allegedly entered the property and attacked sheep,” said Mlotshwa.
“What I saw was shocking and a major loss to the farmer.
“I found sheep lying all over the farm, with 12 already dead, while many others were still alive with severe bite wounds on their necks and legs.
“This is a serious concern because of dogs roaming around the township without owners.”
Mlotshwa said the farmer reported that 26 sheep were attacked during the incident. All the sheep eventually died.
According to information gathered at the scene, the dogs allegedly fled towards Rooikoppen and Ext 7 in Sakhile after being chased away.
Mlotshwa warned that the growing number of stray and neglected dogs roaming communities poses a serious threat to both residents and livestock.
“The issue of dogs roaming around communities is becoming a major concern, and we will start tracing the owners because no one wants to take responsibility when these animals cause damage or problems,” said Mlotshwa.
He recalled a previous incident involving a neglected pack of dogs near the Sakhile cemetery, which allegedly killed several chickens belonging to the community before the SPCA intervened.
“The community should stop dumping dogs they no longer want. Instead, they must contact the SPCA for help to avoid damage and danger caused by homeless dogs.”
The farm foreman of Eike Boerdery, Deodat Prenzler, said incidents like this are an ongoing problem for them.
He was in church on the day of the incident and said that when he arrived home, he saw his sheep injured and some already dead.
Locals hunting with dogs is also a major problem, and according to Prenzler, it is often police members from other towns who do the illegal hunting with dogs.
“It is a massive sport for some people; they place bets of R150 000 and more on those dogs,” said Prenzler.
“Our hands are tied with this problem.”
He has seen packs of up to 20 or more dogs on his farm. All these dogs do not necessarily have the same owner. According to Prenzler, tracing the owners of the dogs is another problem.
“These dogs run around here on the farm like wild animals and they are hungry,” said Prenzler.
He moved the remaining sheep to another farm to prevent future attacks. He pays a fortune each month for security measures.
Hennie Bekker, farmer and districts coordinator of AfriForum, said owners of dogs must know that it is illegal to encourage dogs to fight.
“The illegal dog hunting industry is flourishing in Mpumalanga with hunters and even big syndicates coming from Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal to take part in this illegal sport,” said Bekker.
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“Farmers should inform the national SPCA, the Mpumalanga nature conservation and stock theft units of these activities and open cases.
“Cases that should be opened include, trespassing, stock theft, illegal hunting with dogs and even the possession of animal carcasses.”
NSPCA reponds:
The SPCA is deeply concerned by reports of the attack on livestock and the significant suffering and loss that resulted.
Responsible pet ownership includes ensuring that dogs are properly contained, supervised, identified, and provided with adequate care. Owners may be held liable when their animals cause harm or damage.
We encourage community members not to abandon unwanted animals and to seek assistance from the SPCA or relevant animal welfare organisations where help is needed.
Attacks on livestock by roaming dogs can have devastating consequences for both the animals involved and the farmers who depend on them for their livelihoods.
In addition to the financial losses suffered, such incidents often result in severe pain, distress, and prolonged suffering for the animals that are attacked.
Allowing dogs to wander unsupervised not only places the dogs themselves at risk but can also pose a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, companion animals, and members of the community.
For any cases or complaints, contact the national SPCA at 011 907 3590 or send an e-mail to nspca@nspca.co.za
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