Hunting wild rabbits is illegal

A video has surfaced on social media of alleged wild rabbit hunting in the Bill Stewart Nature Reserve.

The Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA and the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF) are on high alert to find the people involved.

Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA chairperson Gregory Soares, said the SPCA is aware of illegal wild rabbit hunting with the use of dogs and stoning of the wild rabbits at the reserve.

“A task team has been created with SPCA, NSPCA, CPF and ward councillors in order to monitor, locate, combat and hopefully catch the perpetrators,” said Soares.

He said hunting with dogs and hunting in a municipal nature reserve is illegal.

Soares said evidence is needed in these cases and hopes to catch the culprits in the act.

BCPF chairperson Gavin Henry said the BCPF has been made aware of the rabbit hunting.

“We have to consider this in the context of a huge unemployment rate. Nevertheless, it remains illegal to hunt these wild rabbits. Some might call it poaching,” said Henry.

Henry said the perpetrators are reported as using dogs for hunting and therefore the safety of the dogs needs to be considered as well.

“The rocky terrain makes it risky for the dogs that will have minimal, or no, access to veterinary care should they be hurt,” said Henry.

Henry also said residents should call the SPCA if they see any hunting on the mountain.

He said the SPCA will, in turn, notify the BCPF and the forum will dispatch the required services.

Gavin added the BCPF is continuously looking to enhance safety with the use of cameras, having the Bill Stewart Nature Reserve in mind.

Report any suspicious behaviour to the Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA on 011 825 5033 or 082 675 0072.