Stray animals are a problem for residents of the Theewaterskloof Municipality, who say this is an ongoing problem.
“Stray animals have been an ongoing problem within the Theewaterskloof and the greater Overberg municipal district,” said Wilfred Solomon-Johannes, Acting Municipal Manager. “They have caused immense damage to property and land, and pose a big threat to the safety of motorists.”
He said the municipality takes the safety of people and property within the municipal boundaries very seriously and therefore it has increased operations to curb the damage caused by stray animals.
“From 14 to 16 June, the Theewaterskloof Law Enforcement department held a stray animal operation after hours, with a big focus on the N2 near Bot River,” he said.
Officers executed high visibility patrols and monitored the movement of a few stray animals close to the N2. The operation concluded at 15:00 on 16 June with two cows and two pigs being impounded and transported to the municipal animal pound under the Theewaterskloof Law Enforcement Bylaws.
Theewaterskloof Municipality is also working on a collaboration initiative with all municipalities in the Overberg district together with the Western Cape Government to establish a shared pound to deal with roaming and stray animals that cause accidents and public nuisance.
Theewaterskloof Municipality has also engaged with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to release state land for small-farmers to be used as commonage, animal welfare and to further support subsistence farming and animal and crop production to support the local economy. Anyone wanting to report stray animals can contact the Theewaterskloof Emergency Contact Centre on 080 021 4730.
