A HEAVILY-pregnant grey duiker was savagely attacked and killed by three dogs on Sunday, 21 February in the Assagay Valley.
“The loss of two duikers – one unborn – in such a cruel fashion was totally unnecessary, especially after the dogs’ owners had received instructions to contain their pets on their fenced property. These dogs continued to be seen roaming in the steep grassland ridge above Cadmoor Road,” said Jenny Loughlin from the Assagay Wildlife Watch.
The neighbour on whose property the attack took place heard dogs panting and saw them chasing a terrified duiker along the driveway. She ran outside to try and save the buck, which the dogs had chased and brought down in the grassland above her house. The animal was fatally wounded.
“There is a growing problem of domestic dogs either attacking people or hunting in grasslands, conservation areas and nature reserves in the upper Highway area. The need for owners to confine their animals to their properties is essential for the continued survival of urban wildlife. It is inexcusable not to do this in Assagay, where wildlife is monitored by residents and recorded in a regular wildlife watch,” said Loughlin.
Loughlin noted that wild animals, especially duiker, already survive under stressful conditions and are forced to find their way around multiple fenced properties and often travel along road verges. “If people wish to walk their dogs, they should always be kept on a leash,” said Loughlin.
This tragic incident was reported to KZN Wildlife and the SPCA.
The Kloof and Highway SPCA are aware of the case and its inspectors will be investigating. “We have made contact with KZN Wildlife, which is also looking into the case. There is so little fauna left in our conservancies and the death of an animal, especially in such a brutal manner, is devastating,” said Cheri Cooke, the inspectorate manager and outreach coordinator for the Kloof and Highway SPCA.
