MARLOTH PARK – Culling resumed on Monday night after attempts to have the game captured and relocated, recently failed. The majority of residents are happy that inconveniences to residents and disruption to animals are being kept to a minimum.
This is being carried out after 18:00 to restrict exposure to both residents and holidaygoers. In addition, it places less stress on the impala.
A total of 487 impala, eight wildebeest and 10 warthog must be culled.
Time is an issue as the permit to conduct this is only valid for 30 days. In addition, only 35 animals can be culled at a time, this being the quota at the abattoir.
The office of the provincial State Veterinary Services confirmed that carcasses had been transported to the Morrisdale Abattoir. It is located out of the red-line area, on the Jeppes Reefroad.
The former contract holder of culling in Marloth Park, Mr Jasper Aitcheson, spoke to Lowvelder. Since Marloth Park is situated within the red-line area, the threat of TB is high and strict protocols need to be followed.
An animal should be shot in the head and have bled out before attempting to transport the carcass to the abattoir. The feet and head are checked and depending on ailments, a strict protocol will be followed, as per health regulations. After this the meat is cut off the bone. The feet, head, intestines as well as the bones will then be sent back to Marloth Park, where it will be taken to the so-called Vultures Restaurant in Lionspruit, where scavengers can consume it.
Information as to where and when culling will take place on the various days is communicated as far as possible to the residents by means of security companies, the Marloth Park Property Owners Association, honorary rangers and Conservation as well as Bosnuus.
“The poor state of Marloth Park’s veld is sufficient reason for property owners to realise that there is no other option than to cull the animals. However, most of these concerns have been put to rest since the culling is taking place at night,” a property owner remarked.
