Stray animals: no more horsing around on the N2

GEORGE NEWS - The issue of free-roaming horses ending up on the N2 between Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu has garnered some much-needed attention from senior authorities.

This comes in the wake of two terrible accidents involving horses on this stretch of highway recently and it seems that the voices and the pleas of the Pacaltsdorp Riding Club (PRC) have finally been heard and role players are uniting to find a solution.

During a priority meeting involving the PRC and various authorities at the Pacaltsdorp police station on Thursday 8 August, ways were discussed to secure roaming horses and find a solution that will benefit all parties.

PRC chairperson Clayton Jacobs made it clear that people should not mistake the members of the PRC for the horse owners in Pacaltsdorp who don't care about their animals. He reiterated that no matter how hard they try to keep their horses contained at all times, it is not always possible - with not only their fences being stolen continuously, but their horses too.

"We are fighting an endless battle and fixing fences every single day. We also don't want our horses to run in the streets; we want our horses safe, but we cannot build proper infrastructure or find sponsorships until we don't have secure land.

"All we need is for the municipality to lease us a piece of property and we will secure it ourselves. We will make sure the fences are secure and if we have to we will have security at night - even if we have to sleep there ourselves.

A very emotional Clayton Jacobs, president of the Pacaltsdorp Riding Club. Photos: Kristy Kolberg

"Everyone seems to think that we don't care, the horses walk everywhere and we have nothing in place to keep the horses safe. Believe me, we have something in place, we just need help," he said.

Jacobs said that they have had talks regarding leasing property with the municipality in the past, but nothing has come from it. They were told to register as a club and did so three weeks ago - they are still waiting for feedback. He said they realise that horses are not allowed in residential areas, but most Pacaltsdorp residents have a rich history of farming and a deep love and respect for horses that stem from their ancestors.

Kalma Hayes, who has been assisting the riding club since the start, suggested that the horse lovers in Pacaltsdorp must be used to police the horse community as the "authorities already have too much on their plates".

Municipality will follow up

Lee-Anne Meiring, George Municipality's senior manager for community safety, said the local authorities are committed to making George safer. She undertook to follow up with the department of development and planning for feedback on the previous meeting held with the PRC and their club registration.

"We get complaints about stray animals daily and from an enforcement perspective, we have to ensure that we keep impounding stray animals. It is our work," she said.

She emphasised that they have to be proactive and find a solution. She explained their responsibilities of impounding and said the onus ultimately falls on the owner to keep their animals safe.

SPCA will geld and microchip

Area manager for the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) Cheri Cooke said they are willing to assist with the gelding of all the stallions as well as the microchipping of all of the horses at PRC. This will be done on condition that very strict rules are in place for the protection and welfare of the horses.

She also suggested that the number of horses per owner be restricted as some unemployed owners have up to five or six horses. "It is not possible to look after an animal if you can't afford to do it. The SPCA is no longer in a position to carry the financial burden and responsibility for the horses' veterinary care - this is the responsibility of the owner of any animal.

The owners need to ensure that their horses are confined for their safety, as well as that of the community. Those that are not confined should be impounded by the Municipality," Cooke said.

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Pacaltsdorp Community Police Forum's chair-person Charly Daman looks on while Pacalts-dorp Police station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mzwandile Kama, speaks to attendees.

The group attended the meeting with various authorities including law enforcement, George Municipality, PRC, Pacaltsdorp Police, Pacaltsdorp Police Community Forum, the Garden Route SPCA, provincial traffic and other interested community members on Thursday 8 August.