The illegal practice of hunting livestock and wildlife with dogs on private property is getting out of control, says TLU SA.
“This situation creates a huge problem for livestock and game farmers, as no farmer can allow his animals to be wiped out in this cruel way,” says TLU SA Free State chairperson Bertus van der Westhuizen in a press statement.
“Dogs are cruel hunters and snatch chunks of meat from live prey until the animal is so weakened by pain that it can no longer flee. When the hunter or hunters then appear on the scene, this animal is often slaughtered with axes. No farmer sees this way of hunting as a sport or entertainment.”
The organisation further says that endangered species such as steenbok are in danger of extinction in this way. According to Van der Westhuizen, it is essential for the police to view the crime in a more serious light and to do more to stop this practice.
“There is great potential for conflict in this crime; not only conflict between communities but also between farmers and the police themselves.”
Van der Westhuizen says TLU SA’s Free State branch takes a strong stand against this cruel practice of hunting and makes a serious appeal to the police and the judiciary to assist farmers in their fight against this crime.
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