The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) tabled a motion to the Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality calling for decisive action to combat the growing problem of stray animals and the spread of animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease.
The motion demands that the Municipality draft and implement new, enforceable by-laws to ensure the safety of residents and protect the local agricultural economy.
The Freedom Front Plus wishes to emphasise that as a landowner, the Municipality is legally obliged, in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, to prevent the spread of diseases.
However, the merger of the Modimolle and Mookgophong Municipalities created a dangerous legal and health gap due to the absence of consolidated regulations.
The motion proposes the following steps:
• Stringent control of stray animals: Identification and impoundment of animals roaming freely in residential areas and on public roads.
• Establish impoundment facilities: Appoint a pound master and formally manage approved facilities in accordance with provincial legislation.
• Foot-and-mouth disease support: Ensure municipalities strictly adhere to national containment measures to safeguard the Limpopo agricultural sector against economic devastation.
• Accountability: Animal owners who fail to control their livestock should be fined, and held liable for impoundment fees and damages.
The Municipality cannot shirk its responsibilities while foot-and-mouth disease threatens the very survival of local farmers.
The motion compels the administration to table draft by-laws within 60 days.
The Freedom Front Plus will closely monitor the process to ensure that the proposed timelines are adhered to and that the public participation process is transparent.
The party remains committed to promoting property rights, public safety and a thriving agricultural sector.
