Illegal hunting with dogs in the Standerton-area often happens

Farmers have their work cut out once the food basket part is underway since stock theft, as well as the lucrative illegal hunting with dogs, are prevalent.

Standerton and surrounds are no exception and social media usually quickly identifies the specific farm where animals were stolen, slaughtered or illegal hunting took place.

The latest known incident was on Sunday, 14 March when a vehicle and occupants involved in illegal hunting with dogs, were spotted on the Vrede Road.

According to Kasselman Security Services (KSS), one suspect was arrested and the vehicle fled in the direction of town.

The Standerton Advertiser contacted Mr Jandré Kasselman on Wednesday, 17 March for some statistics on illegal hunting.

Mr Kasselman indicated that they are aware of incidents on 20 November last year in Platrand, 6 December last year at a farm on the Robertsdrift Road, 21 February this year in Platrand and another incident on 14 March in Morgenzon.

Agri South Africa’s advice to farmers is to follow protocol and avoid vigilante behaviour and they also said dogs are not good hunters, since they mangle their prey, while the animal is still alive.

According to their report of 2017, hunting actions have become more organised and sophisticated over the last decade, adding to the tension between farmers, communities and even conservation authorities.

A land owner who arrests a trespasser using some force, may be committing malicious injury to property if the trespasser’s dog attacks him and he acts in self-defence, when injuring or killing the animal.

The Standerton Advertiser published an article in 2019 where a case against a farmer and his son, who killed 42 goats belonging to another farmer in Thuthukani, was struck from the roll.

A financial settlement was reached.

The newspaper also contacted Ms Anita Engelbrect, senior inspector at the NSPCA, on Wednesday, 17 March for a comment on illegal hunting.

Ms Engelbrech requested that an e-mail be sent since this is a controversial issue.

According to their report of 2002, a big percentage of dogs used for hunting is undernourished, unkempt and infected with worms and ticks.

The NSPCA replied on Wednesday, 24 March that in their opinion, there are more cases of dogs being used to hunt game, than dogs being used to steal livestock.

They said they have been dealing with several complaints regarding illegal hunting with dogs over the last few months.

“The brutality of the kills is escalating and the manner in which the game die, is disheartening,” Ms Keshvi Nair, public relations officer, said.

“The NSPCA currently has four pending criminal cases for illegal hunting with dogs.

“One specific case is a badger that was attacked by a pack of dogs and later bludgeoned to death by the hunter.”

According to Ms Nair, the variety of species killed by illegal hunting has expanded and even includes threatened or protected species listed under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.

They emphasised that hunting with dogs constitutes cruelty on many different levels.

“The dogs used by the hunters have to endure extended periods of confinement in small cages that are often found to be dirty and parasitic.

“Furthermore, the animals are often starved before the hunt to encourage the successful capture of prey.

“These animals hardly ever receive treatment for injuries sustained during hunts and are often left with broken bones.”

Former academic, Prof John Ledger from the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg, managing the Endangered Wildlife Trust, is of the opinion that hunting with dogs is the biggest threat to biodiversity in Africa.