Dana Bay antelope injuries worrying

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - On Friday, 7 April, a male bushbuck with a severe injury was seen in Dana Bay. The animal was in a great deal of pain and suffering.

This large male had been seen previously, but could not be herded into a safe place to be examined and treated.

Fortunately, on this occasion a Dana Bay Conservancy committee member was contacted and with the help of the SPCA and the local resident who saw the animal, they were able to catch the bushbuck and take it to a local veterinarian.

Due to the severity of the injuries it had to be euthanised. The conservancy committee thanks the local SPCA, Dr Joanne Basson from Dana Bay Vets and the residents for all that they did to alleviate the animal's pain. It is not known how it was injured.

On Easter Saturday, a grysbok was found dead in someone's yard in Nerina Road. Dr Henk Basson, a local veterinarian, confirmed that she was hit by a car and suffered and died close to the place of impact.

Drive at recommended speed

"We are pleading with the residents and visitors of Dana Bay to drive at the recommended speed of 40km/h to save our wildlife," says Jane Buchanan of the Dana Bay Conservancy.

She said local authorities have been contacted and talks were under way on how to enforce the speed limits and bring the perpetrators to book.

According to Buchanan, the Dana Bay Conservancy committee is working in conjunction with the Dana Bay ward councillor, Nicky Le Roux, to introduce measures to enforce speed limits.

Buchanan said: "The Traffic Department and all relevant departments have acknowledged that something needs to be done regarding the problem. We will continue to put pressure on these departments to ensure results and to make people accountable for their reckless actions."

She urged motorists to keep antelope and other fauna safe "when you drive through our lovely piece of paradise".

The conservancy urges Dana Bay residents and visitors to call the following numbers as soon as they see an injured animal or spot reports about injured animals on social media platforms: