THE driver of the car that struck a cow in Alton has come forward this week after discovering the fate of the animal through reports in the Zululand Observer.
Hennie Swart says he has been perturbed about the lot of the animal since the accident on the night of 12 October – but the incident has also left him with a R20 000 damage bill for his uninsured vehicle.
He says he has phoned the owner of the cow four times, but he refuses to answer his phone.
The cow had to be euthanised by the SPCA after sustaining a broken leg, leaving her calf orphaned.
The incident caused a media furore and highlighted the plight of the animals and the critical shortage of standby vets and resources such as pound facilities in the city.
The incident fuelled the debate about the lack of responsibility by cattle owners relating to the well-being of their animals and the hardships of SPCA inspectors who have to execute humane killings as an almost daily routine while facing either the wrath of the owner or the public.
Stray cattle regularly cause road accidents in which, at worst, people die or are seriously injured, and cause astronomical vehicle damage with no one to foot the bill.
‘It was about 8.45pm and I was travelling on the John Ross Parkway near the Alton turn-off.
‘It was raining, so I was driving slowly. I noticed movement on the side of the road and slowed to almost a standstill, trying to figure out what it was.
‘While watching the animal on the side of the road, I did not notice the cow right in front of the car and collided with it.
‘The animal rolled from the bakkie and landed in a ditch. I got out and approached to see if it was injured or dead, but she jumped up and ran away.
‘I could not follow because it was dark and I was alone. I had to stay with my vehicle which had to be towed from the scene.
‘I now know it was the calf I saw when I struck the cow.
‘I reported the accident at the Richards Bay Police Station and also phoned the SPCA, because I did not want the animal to suffer.
‘Wynand (Strauss) of the Richards Bay SPCA said he would search for it, which he did in the days to follow, but the animal was never found in the vicinity where I last saw it.
‘It was only discovered when another person phoned to report the injured cow.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
