‘Moo’ business in the Bay
Ratepayers moan over the 'cattle infiltration' in the urban areas of Richards Bay
RESIDENTS and consumers are ‘up in arms’ over what they describe as a ‘migration’ of cattle into the suburban and business areas of Richards Bay.
There have been numerous complaints of cows grazing in the suburbs of Aquadene, Brackenham, Arboretum, Veldenvlei and Birdswood.
However, the problem has also infiltrated the business district of Alton, where herds of cattle have frequently been seen grazing in the area and running across busy roads during peak traffic hours.
‘On Thursday a herd stormed across Kraft road in Richards Bay and people had to stop to avoid accidents. Judging from the tracks, it seems to be a regular route and crossing for the animals. The authorities are just ignoring the problem as this situation has been highlighted numerous times,’ said motorist Sias van Schalkwyk.
According to uMhlathuze Ward 2 Councillor Alen Viljoen, they had first notified the municipality of the problem in 2004.
‘This is a major problem, especially since certain traditional authorities have been given permission for their cattle to graze in areas adjacent to the eNseleni River and the N2.
‘This has resulted in more cattle moving into Aquadene and Brackenham. This is totally unacceptable and against the bylaws of the City. Residents are complaining about cows grazing in their yards and destroying their gardens,’ Cllr Viljoen said.
In addition, the Councillor said the municipality did not have the ‘will nor the capacity’ to drive cattle away from urban areas.
‘We have all these municipal bylaws but no one implements or adheres to them. When people complain to the nuisance department, nothing is done. This is not a job for the local SPCA either. We have reported the matter once again to the municipality,’ said Cllr Viljoen.
According to the municipal bylaws, livestock are not permitted in suburbs and stray animals cannot be kept in public places.
