GEORGE NEWS - The slaughtering of a goat on Wilderness Beach on Sunday 9 March caused public outcry after a message about the incident was shared in a local WhatsApp group.
The bottom line is that this specific incident was not legal.
According to Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) senior inspector Salomé Bruyns, inspector Henrico Pypers responded immediately to the complaint but arrived after the goat had already been slaughtered.
"Upon investigation, we found that it was part of a cultural or religious ritual. While we respect cultural practices, the slaughter of animals in public spaces is not permitted," said Bruyns.
The Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 prohibits unnecessary animal suffering, and municipal by-laws regulate where and how animals may be slaughtered.
Municipality not contacted
Dawie Adonis, director of community services, said that municipal environmental health practitioners were not informed.
"Such cases typically fall under the jurisdiction of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)," he said.
Acting director of community safety Lee-Anne Meiring confirmed that law enforcement was also not contacted.
"The SPCA is the appropriate authority to contact in such instances," said Meiring.
The municipality stressed that while religious slaughter is permitted under certain conditions, it must take place in controlled environments, excluding municipal property, beaches and public spaces, unless prior approval is granted.
"George Municipality has information signage at the entrances to all beaches indicating the prohibited activities. Although animal slaughter is not specifically listed, it is considered a prohibited action under public amenities by-laws," said Meiring.
If such incidents occur in public spaces, the municipality will involve the SPCA, Environmental Health, and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
Not 'linked' to GRDM
GRDM head of communications Herman Pieters said the incident was not directly linked to their organisation but was referred to SAPS, SPCA, SANParks and George Municipality.
Feedback from these agencies indicated that no health nuisance was caused during the ceremony.
"It is important to note that cultural practices involving animal slaughter typically require approval from local municipalities," said Pieters.
SANParks not informed
SANParks regional communi-cations manager Phokela Leboa confirmed they had not received a report or permit application for the ritual. "There is a permit process for religious practices, but no permit was issued for this specific ritual," he said.
SANParks allows cultural rituals, but applications must be made in advance, with approved rituals permitted in designated areas under specific conditions.
The public is encouraged to report illegal activity to the Wilderness Conservation Standby number, 079 177 1403 or GRSPA on 044 878 1990 / 082 378 7384 (after hours), or Environmental Services on (044) 802 2900.
"Any person with information [about the incident] is asked to report it to our offices so that a fine may be issued," said Leboa.
WhatsApp messages that appeared on a Wilderness WhatsApp group about the incident.
Shortly after the first person saw the goat being taken to the beach.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
