City clamps down on roaming cattle

AFTER a series of rigorous engagements last month to encourage communities to keep unsupervised stray animals – especially cattle – from roaming the streets of the City of uMhlathuze, the city began clampdown operation in Richards Bay on Sunday, impounding a herd in Wildenweide.
This comes after the City of uMhlathuze met with various communities to discuss the number of serious accidents caused by stray cows and goats and to engage owners on the impounding of unsupervised animals.
The city posted an update on their Facebook page shortly after impounding the cattle, creating an online buzz and massive response from the public, welcoming the strong stance taken by the municipality.
Cattle owners whose animals are impounded will be fined, failing which their livestock will be sold at a public auction.
In response to the Facebook post, Busani Ndlovu said: ‘This is a great initiative by our municipality. A lot of people have died, some were injured and experienced damage to their vehicles as a result of these stray animals. This will teach our subsistence farmers to be responsible.’
Another resident, Lyn Govender, shared similar sentiments, adding that it was about time action was taken.
‘I support the move taken by the municipality. I do not understand how you can have peace in your house while herds of cattle are scattered all over the suburbs,’ said Nelson Khumalo.
Chad Martin added that it was good that cows are off the streets and the problem is being dealt with, ‘but now farmers have to be fined for trying to keep their cows alive.
‘The grass is greener on the other side and the farmer himself has to make a living to provide for his family!
‘I suggest you hear the farmers’ struggles before charging them fines and work something out so every side is happy.’