Matjhabeng does not have a functional pound, impound bylaws, or cat and dog bylaws.
“This is an issue that I have been driving on and off since I was made aware of Mangaung’s livestock policy in 2016,” says Abigail Schoeman, DA councillor in Matjhabeng.
“Matjhabeng had an outdated bylaw that was not being enforced and needed urgent updating. Emails have been sent back and forth between the administration and myself since then.”
This issue has come to attention once more after the horrendous road accident between Welkom and Odendaalsrus on 25 October. (Read the lead story on this page.)
Large herds of cattle freely roam the fields around Matjhabeng, and even the streets in towns. There are numerous accidents involving these animals.
It is rumoured that the herds belong to politicians and even law enforcement, which is why nothing is done to curb them.
In November 2022, Schoeman raised questions in council to seek clarity regarding the application for the pound.
“Unfortunately, since then the municipality has not invited the public to tender for the position.
“The SPCA, Claws and Blessings are doing the work the Matjhabeng Municipality should be doing.
“They rely solely on the community for support, which is unfair to the animals that should be protected by the municipality.”
Schoeman says she made extensive contributions to Matjhabeng’s proposed cats and dogs impound bylaw in January 2023.
“This issue is ongoing.”
