The newly formed Helderberg Rural Enviro Protection Unit (HREPU) will primarily focus on combating the surge of dog hunting around the vicinity of Sir Lowry’s Pass.
This as increased sightings of hunting packs and armed dog handlers have spurred authorities into action.
The group is made up of members of SAS Security, Sir Lowry’s Pass Farm Watch, Somerset West police, private detectives and AfriForum. It is well supported by the surrounding estates and CapeNature.
An action plan to respond to incidents has been approved and will also feature the use of advanced drones to identify and track dog handlers as part of the overall protocol.
“Meetings have been held and full support has been gained with all Sir Lowry’s Pass and Steenbras mountainside estates and reserves,” Steve Chadwick, member of the Farm Watch, said as he addressed the HREPU group during a meeting on Thursday 16 May.
“Farm Watch has built up an excellent knowledge of hill jeep track and trails, and members know the high hill trails and passes intimately. From a pool of active Farm Watch members, we can always mobilise at least three assets that can be positioned at key vantage points.”
For several years, the use of dog packs for hunting has taken place on the Grabouw side of the Hottentot Holland Mountains, in a range from the N2 to the lower flanks of Hans se Kop, within the ring of the Buys se Pad hill jeep track and on lower slopes down towards the Eikenhofdam.
The dogs, which may number up to 40, are let loose on the hill to run down any “game” they might scent, which is then chased until caught. Small game is torn to pieces before the armed handlers can reach the melée.
The hunt is completely indiscriminate, in that the dogs will chase down the first animal they find, be it a rabbit, a Gennet, a dassie, a bokkie, Cape fox and even a leopard. Handlers are also armed and, on occasion, have apparently threatened those that have confronted them.
Speaking to the HREPU, Captain Charles Riffel of the Somerset West police said that police officers who are part of the HREPU come with vast experience and are committed to the cause of safeguarding the environment for future generations.
“This project has come a long way and a proactive strategy is exactly what is needed,” he said.
“We are ready and we are alert. When the next incursion takes place, we will be here to confront any threats.”
