Complaining until the cows come home

COWS grazing on your veggie patch is not something you encounter every day but for the residents of Veldenvlei in Richards Bay, the phenomenon is becoming a common occurrence.

And as if sewer problems were not enough, residents say cow poo on their streets is what they have to contend with every week.

There are also associated health and safety risks as more cattle are becoming casualties in accidents while there is a concern of disease threats, injuries and rising stock theft.

‘I love animals and nature, but did not know we are now living on a farm? These animals are aimlessly wandering around with no one watching over them or are even remotely close to them,’ said Veldenvlei resident Sias van Schalkwyk.

‘We have all these municipal bylaws but no one implements it or adheres to it. I believe it is also acceptable now to use your own garage as a slaughter house by simply letting the blood flow into the storm water system?’

‘I have a problem every year. They (owners of the cattle) herd them onto our property and leave them here, but they damage my plants,’ said Patricia Thomson.

No livestock in suburbs

Empangeni SPCA Senior Inspector Roland Fivas said more rural cattle and donkeys were grazing in close proximity to roads and suburbs owing to lack of grazing space.

‘We recently had to destroy a young heifer on the airfield road due to her injuries,’ Fivas said. ‘This problem is not just Zululand related. It is all over South Africa.

‘We urge motorists to be cautious driving on our roads this time of the year.

‘According to the municipal bylaws, livestock cannot be in suburbs and stray animals cannot be kept in public places. This function is handled by the Nuisance Department under Traffic Services in the municipality. If the SPCA is called out, an injured animal cannot be treated and is destroyed,’ said Fivas.

There have also been reports of more than 40-50 cows and goats crazing in the industrial area of Alton in Richards Bay.

uMhlathuze City Health Director, Ziphi Dladla on Wednesday said the municipal security company would immediately respond to the affected areas reported.