YOU MAY SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT
In rural South Africa, illegal dog hunting also referred to as "poaching with dogs," has become an increasing problem.
This practice entails people hunting wild animals with trained or semi-trained dogs, frequently without the landowner's permission and in violation of wildlife protection regulations. Although it might seem like a customary or
leisure pastime to some, the consequences are severe and far-reaching.
The consequences of this unlawful behaviour for farming communities go beyond the simple loss of wildlife.
It seriously jeopardizes cattle, upsets the fragile environmental balance, and threatens farmers' livelihoods.
Wildlife populations are sometimes destroyed, particularly for animals like antelope and hares hunted for their meat,
trophies, or trade.
Furthermore, this kind of poaching usually causes collateral damage since hunting dogs may attack calves, lambs,
or goats, costing farmers a lot of money.
Additionally, trespassing, property destruction, and even intimidation of workers or landowners sometimes accompany the use of dogs in unlawful hunting. Tensions in these rural regions are exacerbated when poachers are faced with violence.
Because both the hunted animals and the dogs themselves may sustain injuries or lose their lives during these hunts, the technique also presents ethical questions regarding animal cruelty.
IMPACTS:
ECONOMIC IMPACTS:
Farmers frequently lose livestock, such as sheep, goats, and poultry, to dogs used in illegal hunting.
This directly reduces farmers' incomes and disrupts their operations.
Dogs and hunters often trespass on farmland, damaging crops and irrigation systems, further exacerbating financial losses.
Farmers invest in additional security measures, such as fencing, patrols, and surveillance, which are expensive and add to operational costs.
SOCIAL IMPACTS:
Illegal hunting often creates conflict between farmers and local communities.
Some local residents view hunting as a traditional activity, while farmers see it as a threat to their livelihood.
Confrontations between farmers and hunters can escalate into violent encounters, contributing to a cycle of mistrust and hostility.
Policing illegal hunting stretches local law enforcement resources, leading to challenges in addressing other crimes in rural areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
Illegal hunting with dogs targets not only livestock but also wildlife, depleting local biodiversity and threatening endangered species.
The indiscriminate hunting of wildlife disrupts ecological balance, affecting predator-prey dynamics and other ecosystem processes.
OTHER:
Decreased wildlife populations due to illegal hunting can negatively affect eco-tourism, which is a significant income source for many rural communities.
Illegal hunting with dogs is often tied to cultural traditions, but it also raises ethical questions about animal cruelty and the balance between tradition and modern conservation needs.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:
Educating communities on the impact of illegal hunting and involving them in conservation efforts can help reduce poaching activities.
Enforcing stricter penalties for illegal hunting can deter offenders.
Providing alternative income-generating opportunities for individuals involved in illegal hunting can help address its root causes.
In South Africa, no one, not even a landowner, has the legal authority to permit illegal dog hunting, as it violates several laws.
This practice is strictly regulated due to its impact on wildlife, livestock and ecosystems.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT (NEMBA), 2004:
Protects indigenous species and biodiversity.
Hunting without permits or using methods that threaten ecosystems (such as hunting with dogs) is prohibited.
If the hunting involves protected species or is done without permits, it becomes a violation of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA), or the Nature Conservation Ordinance (in some provinces).
Section 5 of the NEMBA regulates the hunting of protected species, and if dogs are being used to hunt these species illegally, the offenders could face charges under this act.
PROVINCIAL NATURE CONSERVATION ORDINANCES:
Each province has its own conservation laws governing hunting.
These typically require permits for hunting, regardless of whether it is on private or public land.
Hunting with dogs is either heavily restricted or outright banned unless done under strict legal conditions.
ANIMAL PROTECTION ACT 71 OF 1962:
The Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 in South Africa provides broad protection for animals from cruelty, and this includes provisions related to illegal hunting with dogs.
While the Act itself does not specifically address hunting with dogs in detail, it does prohibit any form of cruelty to animals, which can encompass the use of dogs in illegal hunting activities.
It applies in the context of illegal hunting with dogs.
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS: The Act defines cruelty as any unnecessary or unjustifiable harm or suffering inflicted upon an animal. Illegal hunting, particularly hunting that involves the use of dogs to chase, catch, or harass animals, could be seen as a form of cruelty under this definition. This could include scenarios where the animals being hunted are subjected to unnecessary suffering or harm or where the hunting process itself is deemed to be inhumane.
PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN PRACTICES: The Act prohibits using dogs in certain inhumane hunting practices. If the hunting is carried out in a manner that causes excessive pain or distress to the hunted animals or if it violates any other regulations or standards for animal welfare, it could be subject to penalties under the Act.
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES: Authorities such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) or Nature Conservation officers may enforce the provisions of the Animal Protection Act in cases of illegal hunting.
Those caught hunting illegally with dogs can face fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offence and the specific circumstances.
OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATION: While the Animal Protection Act provides a foundation for prosecuting animal cruelty, illegal hunting with dogs is also addressed under other legislation, such as the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act or the Nature Conservation Ordinances in South Africa. These laws regulate hunting and the use of dogs in hunting, and violators can face additional charges related to poaching or illegal hunting.
In short, the Animal Protection Act can be invoked in cases of illegal hunting with dogs when the practices involve cruelty or unnecessary harm to animals. However, illegal hunting with dogs is also subject to additional conservation and wildlife protection laws in South Africa, which may provide more specific guidelines and penalties.
TRESPASSING ACT 6 OF 1959:
Individuals entering a farm without the owner’s permission to hunt (even with dogs) are committing trespassing as defined under the Trespass Act 6 of 1959.
The farm owner can take civil action or request the police to remove the trespassers from their land.
IMPLICATIONS FOR LANDOWNERS:
Even if a landowner were to grant permission, it does not override the legal requirements.
Granting or facilitating illegal hunting with dogs can result in:
Legal penalties: Landowners may be held liable for aiding or abetting unlawful activities.
Confiscation of property: In cases of severe wildlife crimes, properties may even face confiscation under certain laws.
ENFORCEMENT CHALLENGES:
Despite these laws, illegal hunting persists due to:
Limited enforcement capacity in rural areas.
Cultural practices where hunting with dogs is seen as traditional or recreational.
Loopholes are exploited by hunters, such as claiming to be on a legal hunt or misusing permits.
THE ROLE OF FARMERS AND COMMUNITIES:
Farmers and community members play a crucial role in combating illegal hunting:
Reporting suspicious activity to authorities.
Collaborating with conservation groups to protect wildlife.
Educating local communities about the legal and environmental consequences.
The laws are designed to ensure ethical hunting practices and the protection of South Africa's unique biodiversity, which benefits everyone in the long run.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT PROJECT:
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
We have hunting dogs come through our property on a weekly basis. They kill all the wildlife. No one is interested in doing anything about it. The farmers get shot at when they intervene. It's terrible watching and hearing the dogs attack an animal. When it's a big hunt we can have upwards of 20 people each with between 5 and 10 dogs
We are in Cato Ridge in KZN
Im so glad that this problem is getting the attention it deserves . I cannot see any reason for having hunting dogs in a modern society. I nealy lost my dog to these bastards that had him tied up with steel wire and wanted to use him as bait , fortunately my Buddy is tougher than most and managed to escape and we found him after 3 weeks . The conditions under witch the dogs are kept is unacceptable and the use of live bait is a reality . I hope this gets national attention but id like to commend you for your efforts and you can rely on my support on this issue