The Hwange Local Board (HLB) has announced stern measures that include fines, against owners of stray livestock that roam around suburbs.
The local authority said it was concerned with the ever-increasing number of livestock that include cattle, goats and sheep not only disturbing the peace of residents, but menacingly destroying vegetable gardens at a number of households.
“The animals are also posing danger to both motorists and pedestrians,” said the HLB.
“To this end, the Council wishes to advise livestock owners to effectively control the movement of their animals and guard against them encroaching into residential areas. Failure to, which they risk being penalised for contravening Council’s keeping of animals, reptiles and birds by-laws.”
The local authority, which also expressed concern at the increase of repeat offenders warned them they risked facing more punitive measures.
“The local authority continues to face the strain of keeping impounded animals before they are claimed by their owners,” lamented the HLB.
“Various initiatives are currently being explored to come up with more deterrent measures to curb uncontrolled movement of animals within residential areas.”
Any person whose cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys would be impounded, the Council said, shall be liable to pay as fine, ZWL$280.00 per head per day.
The fines, the HLB said would be reviewed from time to time.
“No person shall be permitted to let his/her animals wander or feed in the Council area without the written consent of Council,” further warned the HLB.
“Council shall retain the right and power for the seizure of animals which are found trespassing or straying and the sale, destruction or other disposal of such animals if they are not claimed within two weeks.”
The local authority added that it also had the right to kill such animals if diseased and deemed prejudicial to the health or safety of human beings or other animals.
