Drought exacerbates livestock problem along roads
The movement of livestock on and along public roads has long been a problem in Namibia and the situation worsens during periods of drought.According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NLU), livestock is then herded into road reserves from all over and even remain there at night.
The union says several pieces of legislation focus on stray livestock or animals that may pose a danger. According to law, the animals can be impounded or reported in writing to the commander of the nearest police station, who will then take the necessary steps. However, owners on whose land the animals trespass, police officers and authorised persons may act to remove the animals.
According to the ordinance on roads, persons who want to move livestock along public roads must be in possession of a permit issued by a magistrate.
Certain restrictions apply, namely that the person moving with the livestock must move in the same direction for the duration and in the same direction from the starting point to the destination. A distance of at least 15 kilometers must be covered within 24 hours.
The NLU says that animals that violate regulations on or along proclaimed roads are subject to the violation of the ordinance for animals and are dealt with in terms of its provisions. - [email protected]