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Community members must take care of their domestic animals

Community must take care of their domestic animals

 

“The donkey is one of the most special animals created by God. This is because Jesus Christ used it as a mode of transport when He went to heal hundreds of sick people and to perform miracles in Jerusalem. I cannot understand why certain community members abuse a special animal like a donkey.”

These were the words of the mayor of Musina, Cllr Mihloti Muhlope, when addressing livestock farmers during the stray animals’ campaign at Masisi taxi rank last Friday. She also presented reflective belts and jackets to the livestock farmers.  

Muhlope warned livestock farmers to look after their animals and take good care of them. “I personally witnessed a horrific accident caused by stray donkeys where a driver instantly lost his life near Nwanedi. The owner of the donkeys could not be traced because the animals were not marked by a livestock stamp.” She added that they had received numerous reports of accidents caused by stray animals.

According to her it is important to look after animals, because they also deserve to be treated with love, dignity and affection. “We are giving you these reflective belts and jackets to make sure that you are visible to other road users, especially at night.”

She said domestic animals helped human beings with many things. “They give us meat, dung for decoration and manure and hides for clothing. Some of us went to school because our parents sold their livestock to pay our school fees. Anyone who does not care for their livestock should face the strongest disciplinary action from the law enforcement agencies.”

The manager responsible for traffic at Musina Municipality, Mr Ailwei Mutele, said it was important to have the campaign, because the number of accidents caused by stray animals was increasing in Musina. “Stray animals on the roads should be a cause of concern to all of us. Government has established fences to keep away animals from the roads, but we are disappointed that some of the community members are destroying and stealing these fences. Let us all come together to make sure that domestic animals are well looked after and taken care of.”

Mr Elvis Ramphaga is one of the local livestock farmers who owns four mules. He said that they were very happy to receive the reflective belts and jackets. “We undertake to take good care of our livestock because they are helpful to us on a daily basis.”

Presentations were also made by representatives from the Department of Transport, the South African Police Services, the Emergency and Fire Services and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Mayor Mihloti Muhlope fits livestock farmer Elvis Ramphaga with a reflective jacket.

Mayor Mihloti Muhlope and Council Speaker Gilbert Netshisaulu enjoy a ride on a donkey cart during the campaign at the Masisi taxi rank.     

 

Date:16 October 2017

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