On 24 August an article [Who let the cows out?]was published concerning animals allowed to roam freely through a public green belt that spans the Randpark Ridge area. The animals are let out from a smallholding belonging to Giorgio Tomma. They include herds of sheep, horses and cows. A number of residents responded to the article representing some contrasting views.
Some reidents asserted that they were happy that the animals were there. A common point arose that the animals keep the grass low, making it more difficult for criminals to hide in the public space.
Other residents were against the animals and showed concern regarding health issues around the excess flies and dung.
Some excerpts from the emails received are quoted below:
“I’m sure if parents are alert there should be no problem with the animals attacking them in any way. But if the grass is long and hides unwanted people there like last year when four men came from the long grass they were hiding in, got over our wall and attacked us with steak knives…”
“The smell is horrific and not to mention the amount of flies during the summer. Regardless of the fact that he might/might not have consent, what about the health issues around the matter?”
”My grandchildren wait for the animals every day. We walk among them, they even get on the backs of the horses and they are three and 18 months old. The park has improved so much since the animals have been there. Children also come from other areas to see the animals.”
Previously, Jenny Moodley on behalf of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar on behalf of Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that they were aware of the issue and that Tomma has no certification to allow him to graze his animals.
General manager of the Randburg SPCA, Craig Rudman stated that he had been made aware of the matter but that the movement of the animals is not an SPCA matter. He confirmed, “There is no cruelty against the animals.”
Related article: GALLERY: Who let the cows out?
