Knysna Municipality moves to enforce animal by-laws

KNYSNA NEWS - Following renewed public concern over stray cattle incidents, including a recent accident on George Rex Drive, Knysna Municipality is accelerating its response to livestock management challenges.

According to Johnny Douglas, director of Community Services, interim control measures are now in place, and long-term strategies are being developed through a dedicated task team.

Impoundment process nears implementation
Douglas confirmed that the municipality is finalising the process to begin official impoundments. "A Request for Quotation (RFQ) is under way to appoint a service provider, while parallel talks with Bitou Municipality regarding the use of a trailer and with SPCA George on animal handling procedures are ongoing."

He said that, while these formal systems are being established, stray cattle are temporarily housed at Heidevallei for up to 48 hours. "Identified owners are fined R1 000, and residents are encouraged to report roaming livestock through the local fire station."

Livestock task team
As previously reported in Knysna-Plett Herald, a dedicated livestock task team has been formed, comprising municipal departments and key stakeholders such as police, agriculture representatives, and local farmers.

The task team has been instrumental in identifying grazing land, finalising the temporary holding facility at Heidevallei, and developing a livestock ownership register to improve accountability.

Its terms of reference will be submitted at the next Section 80 Community Services committee meeting before public release.

Support for small-scale farmers
Consultations with provincial and national departments are planned to explore the establishment of commonage land. Public engagement will follow to ensure small-scale farmers are supported through training, animal marking, and access to resources.

The municipality affirms its legal authority to impound stray animals under its by-law and remains committed to balancing enforcement with sustainable, community-inclusive solutions.

An accident involving a cow and vehicle on the N2 near Nekkies on 29 July sparked concern. Photo: Knysna Community Info WhatsApp group