Livestock cause havoc in Acaciavale

Residents of Cleome Drive and Celosia Crescent are fed up with the problem of goats and cows invading their property on a daily basis.

Every single day, goats and cows wander into their yards or jump over their gates/walls and eat everything they find. The livestock destroy everything in their path, devouring plants and breaking things, and leave a horrible mess in driveways and yards.

Cattle are known to even sleep in people’s yards in the shade, and only leave in the afternoon when it gets cooler. Some homes have broken windows due to bulls breaking them with their horns.

Residents say they spend a lot of money on the plants and flowers in their gardens, and they only last a few days. “When the cows and goats come back, they are all eaten and destroyed,” fumed a resident. One person in the area resorted to artificial greenery, but this was also trampled by the animals. “We pay rates, so what is going to be done to solve the problem?”

Ex-councillor Ayesha Khan followed the animals to the farm where they live to ask the owners why they are allowed to wander around all over the place and are not kept within the farm premises. The farm owner allegedly laughed at her and told her she must fence off her yard if the animals are a problem.

Some goats get hurt when they try jumping over fences or gates. They receive no medical attention, and walk around with ripped open stomachs and broken legs. “This is animal cruelty,” said another resident.

There is a park in the area that has swings and a slide, and also a court where people can play sports. The court fences are broken and dirty water lies stagnant around the court. Children play in these conditions, which is very unhygienic. People are asking what their rates are being used for, as nothing seems to be done about the problem.

Commenting on the matter, Public Safety say they go out at least twice a week and impound stray livestock.