Call to safeguard livestock
The SAPS advises owners to have their livestock branded as stock theft increases.
AT this time of the year, numerous cases of stock theft are reported to the SAPS nationally.
This could be attributed to the fact that people steal the animals for consumption over the festive period or to sell to others who are looking for animals to slaughter for their celebrations.
“The SAPS urges all owners of livestock to take all reasonable precautions to safeguard them,” said police spokesman, Captain Vincent Pandarum.
“They should guard against leaving livestock grazing in the fields unattended as it makes them easy prey for thieves looking for animals to steal. Another worrying factor is that animals are left to graze near roads, including the national freeways. These animals wander off onto the roads and get killed or pose a threat to motorists and other road users,” he said.
In terms of the Animal Identification Act, Act 6 of 2002, owners of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs may be prosecuted if these animals are not marked in the prescribed manner. The police have called on all owners of livestock to have them branded so that, if the animals are stolen and recovered, police would be able to trace the owners. Anyone driving, transporting or conveying livestock along a public road must be in possession of the relevant removal certificate.
Police will be stepping up on policing of farms and rural communities as well as holding roadblocks as proactive measures to prevent stock theft.
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