RESIDENTS living near Springside Nature Reserve have been warned to keep their dogs out of the reserve, following several savage attacks on duikers.
According to George Victor, chairman of the Hillcrest Conservancy, dogs from in and around adjacent areas of Springside Nature Reserve have attacked duikers in the reserve.
“Two weeks ago, a pack of dogs attacked a pregnant duiker. She was mauled to death during the chase. Another incident on Saturday 28 September, left a baby duiker at the mercy of the pursuing dogs. Here again, it was mauled and killed. I noticed the dogs chasing another duiker on 1 October around 6am at the top end of the reserve, below Cliff Road, but I believe the duicker got away,” said Victor.
Unfortunately, not all cases have been recorded since most incidents occur late at night or the early morning. With crime so rife in the area, residents keep fierce dogs to safeguard their properties.
He said the bylaws for conservancies is that no dogs are allowed in the reserve, not even dogs on leads. These dogs frighten away wildlife such as bushbuck, duiker, mongoose and owls in the gardens and bushlands.
There is a sign posted outside the conservancy, which reads ‘No dogs allowed’ but people still take their dogs into the reserve or allow their dogs to escape from their fences into the reserve. A special appeal is being made to those living around the reserve to make sure their dogs are kept within their premises, especially at night.
“Because the area is a sensitive, highly biodiverse area with all the development, we are trying desperately to maintain the balance of nature. But these dogs are upsetting this horribly,” said Victor.
As a last resort, the council has warned that if dogs are found roaming in the reserve, they will be shot.
“As a conservancy, we are trying desperately for that not to happen hence our appeal for residents in the area to keep their dogs out of the reserve,” said Victor.
Shaun Lyle, chairman of the Hillcrest Park Neighbourhood Watch (HPNW) said preserving the fauna such as the duiker is the responsibility of every resident and is part of looking after the wider environment while residents still can.
Victor thanked HPNW and Keep Hillcrest Beautiful Association for their assistance and support for caring for the environment and urges residents to stand together to stop the attacks.
