!Kheis Farmers Association calls for responsible livestock management following donkey-related crash
!Kheis Farmers Association Secretary-General Gershuan Baster was involved in a vehicle crash caused by roaming donkeys near Kimberley. Livestock owners are urged to manage animals responsibly to protect lives and property.
Image: Supplied / File
The Secretary-General of the !Kheis Farmers Association (KFA), Gershuan Baster, was involved in a road accident on Monday morning at around 9.45am between Boegoeberg and Groblershoop.
The collision was caused by donkeys roaming unattended on the public road, a hazard the KFA describes as “a serious danger to road users.” While Baster escaped without injury, the vehicle he was travelling in was written off.
The KFA is urging livestock owners and farmers to manage their animals responsibly to prevent similar incidents and protect lives and property.
Stray animals on public roads are addressed by several pieces of legislation in South Africa.
The Stock Theft Act of 1959 requires livestock owners to take reasonable steps to prevent their animals from wandering into dangerous situations. The Animal Identification Act of 2002 ensures livestock are properly identified and controlled, making it easier to hold owners accountable for negligence.
The Animals Protection Act of 1962, as amended, imposes a duty of care on owners to safeguard animals from neglect or abuse and prevent them from threatening public safety. The National Road Traffic Act of 1996 places responsibility on anyone creating or allowing a hazard that endangers road users, including letting animals onto public roads. Local municipal by-laws also explicitly forbid animals from roaming unattended in public areas and provide for fines or other enforcement measures.
The KFA previously shared details of this legislation with members and stakeholders to raise awareness of the risks posed by stray livestock.
In a statement, the association said: “We are grateful that the SG sustained no physical injuries. Unfortunately, the vehicle was written off. We appeal to all livestock owners to manage their animals responsibly and comply with legislation to protect lives, property, and road safety.”
The KFA wished Baster strength and well-being following the incident.