The renewed efforts to deal with roaming dogs in the Kleinmond area are paying off, with two more dogs captured first week in September, bringing the total to six dogs captured so far.

Since the beginning of July, Overstrand Municipality has increased patrols in the Kleinmond Nature Reserve and Kasteelkop, at different times during the week and over weekends, to deter illegal activities and respond to reported incidents.

Of the seven dogs captured, six were caught by the Municipality and one by the Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) and Law Enforcement. The Municipality’s Environmental & Conservation Department and Law Enforcement are working with KAWS and CapeNature, and efforts to deal with any remaining dogs are continuing.

It is important to note that not every dog seen in the nature reserve is necessarily linked to illegal hunting. Because of the reserve’s proximity to residential and informal settlement areas, dogs sometimes enter the protected area without their owners.

Addressing the broader issue of free-roaming dogs will require ongoing community education and cooperation, including responsible pet ownership and ensuring that animals are properly cared for and fed.

Residents are urged to report suspected illegal hunting, roaming dogs inside the reserve, or other environmental concerns via the Overstrand Municipality Citizen App, the Municipal Contact Centre on 028 313 8111, or Law Enforcement on 028 313 8996. Where possible, reports should include the location, date, time and photographs or video taken from a safe distance.

 

Accurate and timely reports help the Municipality build a record of incidents, identify problem areas and recurring activity, and improve the targeting of patrols and enforcement.