Modjadjiskloof strays a danger to residents

Parents especially say they fear for their children as most dogs run wild in the streets. Amanda Theron, a resident from a group of more than 100 residents concerned about the situation, says they are seeking a solution to the problem. “They are not spayed and multiply fast with their litters looking for food. “Our children cannot ride bikes in the street because they get chased by the dogs,” Theron says.

According to her, a woman also reported a dog with white foam coming from its mouth. The animals are also a danger to motorists as they cause accidents. Theron says the Letaba SPCA cannot act as they are not approved to rescue and remove animals in the Greater Letaba Municipality (GLM). Letaba SPCA does not have a pound contract or agreement with the GLM, she says. “Residents do catch the dogs and take them to the SPCA, but it is not a viable solution,” she says.

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Lynette Robson, another resident, told the Herald that some of the strays have owners but when confronted they become defensive and aggressive. “When asked to take care of their pets, they reply not to teach them how to take care of their pets. These dogs overturn dustbins in search of food, leaving the town littered with refuse.” Robson says the dogs used to be only in the CBD but have now moved to residential areas too.

There is a specific open property where they gather and walking past is a risk, she says. She says in the past pet owners had to have a licence from the municipality making it easy to return a lost dog to its rightful owners. “Now anyone can get a dog and let it roam freely without taking responsibility for it,” she says. Herald asked GLM spokesperson, Lovers Maenetja, and the SPCA for comment. At the time of print no response was received. Their feedback will be published when received.