Horses killed in separate N2 crashes near George spark SPCA warning
According to George Herald, the latest tragedy occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning when a truck hit a horse on the busy highway. Just one day earlier, another horse was killed in the same area in a separate collision, which also left the driver of an Isuzu bakkie seriously injured and hospitalised.
'These tragic incidents are not isolated,' says GRSPCA area manager Cheri Cooke.
'They are part of an ongoing and dangerous pattern involving free-roaming large animals in high-speed zones and residential areas across George. While our team continues to respond where possible, the SPCA is increasingly being left to deal with the aftermath.'
Cooke stresses hat they operate as a welfare organisation under the limitations of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and do not have jurisdiction over municipal by-laws or road safety enforcement.
'We have formally reached out to the George Municipality's law enforcement, as well as Nkosi Batatu, [the] deputy director of municipal support and capacity-building in the Department of Local Government, to raise our concerns and appeal for urgent intervention,' she says.
The continued presence of animals on the N2 and in residential areas has long been a serious concern.
George Herald has reported on this issue multiple times, yet a co-ordinated, long-term response has yet to be found.
'This is a matter of public safety as much as it is one of animal welfare,' warns Cooke. 'It is only a matter of time before more lives are lost. We once again offer our full co-operation to all departments and agencies willing to engage in meaningful action.'
Municipality confirms challenges
The George Municipality reiterated that the challenge of free-roaming animals on public roads remains complex and ongoing.
'We are aware of the dangers posed by stray animals, particularly along the N2, and are actively working with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and community structures, to find sustainable solutions,' says Lee-anne Meiring, the acting director of community safety.
Meiring confirms correspondence from the GRSPCA and says law enforcement and security manager Richard von Willigh will arrange a meeting with Sanral and provincial traffic to address the issue.
She adds that several animals had been impounded in recent weeks and fines issued where owners could be identified.
'The local horse-riding club has also assisted in managing the situation but has alerted us to the horse camps being vandalised at night, which leads to animals escaping.
'We are working with all stakeholders to improve safety for both animals and road users, however, it is crucial that animal owners also take responsibility to prevent these incidents,' she says.
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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'In the 10 months since, we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes providing the municipality with evidence, attending meetings, and giving every possible opportunity for accountability to be taken and corrective action implemented. We did this not out of weakness, but out of the belief that change should begin with responsibility from within.' She said the organisation remained silent publicly during this time to allow municipal processes to unfold, but the failure to take formal action has now left the SPCA with no alternative. 'The cruelty that occurred has still not been addressed formally, and no action has been taken against those responsible. We can no longer wait,' said Cooke. 'The SPCA is bound by law and by principle to act when cruelty occurs. Section 6.3 of our governing rules requires us to take action against anyone who contravenes the Animals Protection Act. And we will do so.' 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