GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) has issued an urgent plea for action following two more incidents on the N2 near Pacaltsdorp, where two horses were struck and killed by vehicles within just 24 hours.
The latest tragedy occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 8 July, when a truck hit a horse on the busy highway. Just one day earlier, another horse was killed in the same area in a separate collision, which also left the driver of an Isuzu bakkie seriously injured and in need of hospitalisation.
“These tragic incidents are not isolated,” says the GRSPCA area manager, Cheri Cooke.
“They are part of an ongoing and dangerous pattern involving free-roaming large animals in high-speed zones and residential areas across George. While our team continues to respond where possible, the SPCA is increasingly being left to deal with the aftermath.”
Cooke stresses that they operate as a welfare organisation under the limitations of the Animals Protection Act, and do not have jurisdiction over municipal by-laws or road safety enforcement.
“We have formally reached out to the George Municipality’s Law Enforcement, as well as Nkosi Batatu, deputy director of municipal support and capacity-building in the Department of Local Government, to raise our concerns and appeal for urgent intervention,” she says.
The continued presence of animals on the N2 and in residential areas has long been a serious concern.
George Herald has reported on this issue multiple times, yet a co-ordinated, long-term response has yet to be found.
“This is a matter of public safety as much as it is one of animal welfare,” warns Cooke. “It is only a matter of time before more lives are lost. We once again offer our full co-operation to all departments and agencies willing to engage in meaningful action.”
Municipality confirms challenges
The George Municipality reiterated that the challenge of free-roaming animals on public roads remains complex and ongoing.
“We are aware of the dangers posed by stray animals, particularly along the N2, and are actively working with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and community structures, to find sustainable solutions,” said Lee-anne Meiring, acting director of community safety.
Meiring confirmed correspondence from the GRSPCA and said Law Enforcement and Security Manager Richard von Willigh would arrange a meeting with Sanral and Provincial Traffic to address the issue.
According to Meiring, several animals have been impounded in recent weeks, and fines were issued where the owners could be identified.
“The local horse-riding club has also assisted in managing the situation, but has alerted us to the horse camps being vandalised at night, which leads to animals escaping.
"We are working with all stakeholders to improve safety for both animals and road users; however, it is crucial that animal owners also take responsibility to prevent these incidents,” she said.
Previous articles:
- Stray animals: no more horsing around on the N2
- Rising concern over livestock on N2
- Ten horses killed on our roads this year
- Heartbreaking horse tail sparks international support
- Horses targeted by cruel thieves
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