DOMESTIC ANIMALS

Dear Landowner,

As we get very near to the initial start-up phase of the DB5 and the fences begin to come down, there are a number of aspects that need to be brought to the attention of residents and property owners inside the game reserve.  The issue of domestic animals is very important and there are several issues that need to be communicated.

1. Dogs must be kept behind a fence or in a yard at all times.  The reasons for this is that if they are allowed to roam freely on the reserve, they will chase game, which will then panic and may run into fences etc causing unnecessary losses.  Furthermore, with no fences between you and your neighbour, dogs could now wonder onto other people’s property and become a nuisance, either barking or interfering with the game.  Stray dogs will be shot if they wonder off your property or if they are seen to be chasing the game!!

2. All domestic cats must be sterilised and encouraged to stay indoors.  Domestic cats all over the world all originate from the African Wild Cat (Felis lybica) and therefore domestic cats will easily breed with wild cats.  Furthermore, cats will very easily become feral in the wild if they are not very carefully managed, and then they are extremely difficult to control.  For this reason feral or stray cats will be shot!

3. There has recently been an outbreak of rabies in the area.  The measures in 1 & 2 above, as well inoculation against rabies, will limit their possible contact with wild life and therefore limit the chances of your pets contracting this awful disease.

4. If you do encounter stray dogs and cats, as well as strange behaviour in any of the wildlife, please report this to any of the LOA Executive or the administration office on (012) 711 0264

If you have any queries in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact the admin office on (012) 711-0264 or email admin@dinokengbig5.com

You co-operation and support is much appreciated

Thanks and kind regards,

James Harding

DB5 Exco: Game and Ecology