SPARE a thought for Jan Vermaak, who has often been ‘klapped’ during the course of his work, along with suffering plenty of verbal abuse.
Jan runs the eNseleni animal pound, and his job is to round up and impound stray cattle, which pose both an accident and health risk to the community.
Despite having made local leadership aware of the impounding process, which they agreed was necessary, strong opposition is experienced from those determined to get back their livestock.
‘On one occasion, a group of more than a dozen men accosted me, saying in no uncertain terms they were there to take their animals and what they would do to me if I resisted.
‘Some were locals but others were in expensive GP-registered cars. They simply broke the chains and removed the cattle.’
Jan, who opened a case of stock theft, does not allow such intimidation to deter him from his duties.
The pound is based at a farm in the area, where there is ample grazing and a borehole for water, Jan is notified by the SAPS and SPCA of animals that need to be collected.
‘Most times these animals are unbranded and are not being herded. They are simply left to wander and find whatever grazing they can find,’ says Jan.
‘At the pound they are dipped once a week. Minor injuries are attended to, but if they are in bad condition the SPCA vet is brought in.
‘Owners may fetch their animals, but would need to have proof of possession.
‘On payment of R60 per head per day we will release the cattle with official documentation.
