Residents and conservationists in South Africa's Buffalo City are raising concerns about packs of hunting dogs that are spilling into surrounding suburbs and posing a threat to wildlife, pets, and people. The problem has been growing for weeks, with at least six hunting dogs reportedly operating around the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve and Ward 18. These dogs, often accompanied by young hunters, have been seen moving through bushy areas around Nahoon, Baysville, and Stirling.
The Buffalo City Metro (BCM) has acknowledged the issue and pledged to increase patrols in the area. BCM spokesperson Luzuko Buku stated that despite hunting in the reserve being "strictly prohibited and illegal," such incidents were taking place in nature reserves and green areas. The metro plans to improve its visibility in areas where illegal hunting has been reported and install additional signage stating where dogs are permitted and emphasizing that hunting is prohibited.
Conservationists and residents are calling for more effective action to address the problem. Dr. Div de Villiers, spokesperson for Green Ripple, an environmental group, said that the persistence of marauding hunting dogs in the reserve and surrounding areas was being allowed to happen due to the limited effectiveness of the security deployed in the area. De Villiers urged the metro's law-enforcement officers and properly mandated authorities to treat the capture and removal of the hunting dogs as an urgent priority.
The issue is not limited to the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve, with reports of illegal hunting and dog attacks coming from other areas. Amatola Hunting Association chair Patrick Stephenson said that it had been a constant problem, with illegal hunters having a large pack of dogs that hunt wildlife, which is illegal. Broubart AI Security Solutions' armed response manager Roy de Klerk said his staff had picked up two distinct issues - a number of rogue dogs and a hunting pack of dogs and teens led by an older man.
Residents and ratepayers' associations are also expressing concern about the situation. Ward 18 Ratepayers' Association chair Grant Sinclair said that residents and users of the reserve had raised related concerns that remained unresolved, including at least six breakaway dogs roaming freely in and around the reserve. These animals pose a genuine risk to people using the paths and beaches, and to the fauna the reserve is meant to protect.
The BCM has urged residents to report incidents involving hunters and dogs to assist enforcement teams. The metro plans to increase patrols in nature reserves and green spaces, and improve its response to incidents. However, conservationists and residents are calling for more sustained and effective action to address the problem. Quigney Ratepayers' Association member Satish Nair confirmed that its members had to deal with "some young boys" with a large pack of dogs and had chased them away.
The situation highlights the need for cooperation between authorities, residents, and conservationists to address the issue of illegal hunting and dog attacks in the area. The BCM and other authorities must work together to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect wildlife, pets, and people in the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve and surrounding areas.
Key points
- The Buffalo City Metro has pledged to increase patrols in the area and improve its response to incidents.
- Conservationists and residents are calling for more effective action to address the problem of marauding hunting dogs.
- The issue highlights the need for cooperation between authorities, residents, and conservationists to address the issue of illegal hunting and dog attacks.
