Increased patrols in the Kleinmond Nature Reserve and Kasteelkop have resulted in more roaming dogs being captured, with two caught in the first week of September.
The latest captures bring the total number of dogs caught since renewed patrols began in July to seven. Six were captured by the Overstrand Municipality, while one was caught through a joint effort involving the Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) and Law Enforcement.
The municipality increased patrols in the Kleinmond Nature Reserve and Kasteelkop at different times during the week and over weekends in July.
The patrols aim to deter illegal activities, including suspected illegal hunting, and allow officials to respond to reported incidents.
The municipality’s Environmental & Conservation Department and Law Enforcement are working with KAWS and CapeNature to address the issue, with efforts continuing to locate and deal with any remaining dogs in the reserve.
However, officials have cautioned that not every dog found inside the reserve is necessarily linked to illegal hunting. The reserve’s proximity to residential and informal-settlement areas means dogs can enter the protected area without their owners.
Free-roaming dogs
The municipality said addressing the broader problem of free-roaming dogs would require ongoing community education and cooperation, particularly around responsible pet ownership and ensuring animals are properly cared for and fed.
Illegal hunting
Illegal hunting in some of the Overberg’s most protected areas is fast becoming a crisis as reported in an article by Hermanus Times in July.
It was reported that the Freedom Front Plus asked the Overstrand Municipality and CapeNature to act against the increasing use of illegal dog hunting and wire snares in the Overstrand and Overberg.
This is the sentiment came to light after it was alleged that the Overstrand Municipality and CapeNature were doing nothing about illegal hunting in the protected areas. The Overberg forms part of the internationally recognised Unesco Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, which is world-renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, unique fynbos and valuable wildlife.
Freedom Front Plus further stated that the Overstrand Municipality already has specialised law enforcement units with trained dogs used for the detection of abalone and drugs. “These resources could also be deployed to combat illegal hunting and wildlife poaching.”
The Overstrand Municipality has yet to comment on the matter and respond to the party’s claims.
Residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal hunting, dogs roaming inside the reserve and other environmental concerns through the Overstrand Municipality Citizen App, the Municipal Contact Centre on 028 313 8111 or Law Enforcement on 028 313 8996.
Where possible, reports should include the location, date and time of the incident as well as photographs or video taken from a safe distance.
According to the municipality, timely and accurate reports help officials build a record of incidents, identify problem areas and recurring activity, and better target patrols and enforcement efforts.
