KNYSNA NEWS & VIDEO - A herd of cows were marshalled towards the Main Road, N2, by police last week.
While this sight is not unusual in Upper Town, it was a particularly large group of cows that visited at 08:00, Thursday, May 4.
Pigs pop up on a daily basis and have become part of the neighbourhood.
While the community does not complain about the cows as they do not dig up pavements like pigs, the presence of these animals does cause the local dogs to go amok.
Where do the cows come from? Where do the police or municipal protection services take them? Who owns them?
In response to these questions, mayoral committee member for community services, councillor Cathy Weideman said, "It has been brought to the municipality's attention that livestock, such as cattle and pigs, has been roaming the streets of residential areas in Upper Town. Not only is this extremely dangerous for motorists but it is also hazardous for the animals involved."
She urged owners to make certain that their livestock is kept in secure enclosures.
"Owners need to ensure that these animals are kept out of harm's way and that they do not pose a threat to other residents and members of the public. In order to find a long-term solution for this problem the municipality is asking for cooperation from owners," Weideman said.
In terms of road traffic and road transport legislation, if livestock is found roaming a public road, owners can face a R1 000 fine. According to the Road Traffic Act, a date for payment or a court date is established to either pay the fine or appear in court. Any animal that is found trespassing on private property may be sent to the pound by the owner of the property. The animal may then only be released upon payment of the pound fees.
"The safety of our residents is our number one priority in this matter," said Weideman.
"These animals have owners and it is those owners who must take responsibility for the upkeep of their livestock. It is only through working together that the municipality and owners can come to an agreement about the handling of livestock", she said.
Residents must report any incidents to Knysna municipal law enforcement on 044-302-6551 or the fire department on 044-302-8911 to remove animals from private or public property.
Watch a video below:
Video: Mark Taylor.
Herding pigs is part and parcel of police work.
ARTICLE: ELAINE KING, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD EDITOR
PHOTOS: MARK TAYLOR
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