Stray cattle in Ermelo a cause for concern
It is often found that these animals are not marked, branded or tattooed according to the Animal Identification Act, Act 6 of 2000.
Cattle roaming in residential areas have become a common sight in Ermelo and in some cases, as were seen on 5 June, they can cause potentially fatal accidents.
A vehicle with two occupants were travelling on the N17-Highway when they crashed into a head of cattle.
The driver was fortunate and only sustained minor injuries, while the passenger suffered serious head injuries.
The passenger was transferred to Steve Biko Hospital the next day.
It is often found that these animals are not marked, branded or tattooed according to the Animal Identification Act, Act 6 of 2000.
The public is reminded that it is the duty of livestock owners to mark their animals in the prescribed manner and that failure to do so, could lead to prosecution.
Unmarked or unidentifiable animals present problems when arrests are made, as cases against offenders cannot be proven without positive identification.
This also benefits livestock owners in the event that their animals have been stolen.
A legal ID mark provides positive proof of ownership, making it possible to trace the owner if the stolen or lost animal is recovered.
All livestock owners must register their ID marks at the office of the Registrar of Animal Identification and then mark their animals accordingly.
Registration process:
Registration forms can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, extension offices, magistrate’s offices, vets, police stock theft units or the Registrar of Animal Identification. There is a once-off registration fee.
Buy a revenue stamp at the Post Office for the right amount and stick it on the application form.
Then post the form to the Registrar of Animal Identification, Private Bag X138, Pretoria 0001.
The registration is placed on the National Register of Animal Identification System (AIS).
