Stray animals blamed for Pretoria accidents

Animals owners should make sure their four-legged friends do not wander on public roads, the SPCA said this week.

It said animals on the loose often interfered with traffic flow and caused accidents, Pretoria North Rekord reports.

READ MORE: Car collides with cow in Eastern Cape, stray animals impounded

SPCA inspector Mishack Matlou said that was adding to road accidents in parts of Pretoria North.

“We want to warn animal owners who allow their animals to wander the streets that they will be fined,” he said.

Matlou said motorists in Klipgat, Jericho, Mmakaunyane, Mmametlhake and neighbouring areas had complained about stray animals.

One of them, Sheila Lebea, accused authorities of not doing enough to curb this problem.

“We are indeed getting disturbed by frequently straying animals. Imagine driving and being killed because of the neglected animals,” she said.

“We urge the police and relevant stakeholders to show no mercy on such animal owners.”

Another motorist, Chris Mathabatha, said: “Abandoned cattle and donkeys are taking innocent people’s lives.”

The owners of such animals were actually violating traffic rules.

“I am a taxi driver and regularly drive around the community, and this is putting more lives in danger,” he said.

“Let the relevant authorities come to our rescue before more lives are lost.”

Motorist Arnold Ranoto said he was worried that authorities continued to turn a blind eye to this nuisance.

“On any given day, as I drive to work, I witness donkeys, cows or sheep, to goats, all grazing on our public roadways.”

He said this was worrying because motorists had a slim chance of collecting any insurance unless they had comprehensive cover.

Matlou said all livestock, including horses, donkeys, cattle, sheep, goats and swine, should be properly contained.

Stray animals would be impounded and released to the owners only after payment of a penalty fee, he warned.

The Tshwane Metro Police Department had not yet replied to an enquiry by the time of publication.

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