A gruesome discovery was made in the Nuffield industrial area, between Marshal and Van Loggerenberg roads, where carcasses of animals including sheep, goats, and cows were found.

It is believed that the animals consumed polluted water from a wetland pan. Arrangements were made to clear the carcasses on September 27.

According to local SPCA manager Annecia le Roux, the SPCA collected two animal carcasses, both of which were taken to a local veterinarian.

“Preliminary tests conducted by one of our local veterinarians revealed elevated pH levels in both the water samples and the stomach contents of the affected animal,” she said.

She added that one carcass was submitted by the owner for autopsy and testing, and the SPCA has not yet received feedback on the results.

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“The timeframe for results depends on the laboratory’s processing schedule,” Le Roux said.

She explained that this was the first reported incident of its kind and that it is being monitored closely. She also touched on the potential risk to domestic animals and wildlife.

“Although wild birds, ducks and other free-roaming animals in the area were observed to be alive and unaffected at the time, this does not eliminate the risk. Changes in water sources can affect animals differently,” she said.

Farmers and residents are urged to provide clean, safe drinking water to animals in kraals or enclosed areas rather than relying on free grazing water sources.

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“Monitor animals closely for any signs of illness or abnormal behaviour, and make sure to report any further animal losses to the SPCA as well as the state vet immediately so they can be investigated,” Le Roux said.

Councillor Mike du Toit revealed that the water samples have been taken from the storm water gullies in the area that feed into the pan. He added that the animals are being illegally grazed on public and private property.

“It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that they do not graze in industrial areas,” Du Toit said.

He said he was not aware of any industrial or chemical spillage in the area that could explain the contamination.

He added that there is a lot of illegal dumping in the area, which could have found its way into the stormwater system. This publication sent an enquiry to the municipality which had no response by the time of publication.