Unanimous council decision taken about Great Brak geese

Update

GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - The removal of the feral geese within the Great Brak River Estuary will go ahead.

An item about the geese and other feral domestic species was passed unanimously in the open municipal council meeting today, 25 September.

A task team will now compile a relocation plan with a timeframe for the geese and suitable relocation areas and premises are to be identified.

After initially announcing the removal of the geese at the end of August, the Mossel Bay Municipality said on 4 September that the matter would be dealt with in council.

As background to the issue, the item on the council meeting agenda read as follows: “The presence of feral domestic species in public natural areas, such as the feral geese at the Groot Brak Estuary, has been a long-standing concern, sparking public outcry and stakeholder debate for over a decade.

“While these animals may appear harmless or even endearing, they pose serious risks to both animal welfare and environmental integrity.

“The recent removal initiative of feral geese at the Groot Brak Estuary has highlighted broader concerns regarding the unmanaged presence of domestic species in ecologically sensitive areas.”

It continues to define feral domestic species “as animals that were historically bred by humans for human needs but now exist unmanaged in the wild. These include non-native, exotic, or invasive species such as geese, mallard ducks, lovebirds, rabbits, and cats. They are not self-sustaining in natural ecosystems and require human husbandry for their wellbeing.”

According to the item, the removal of the geese is supported by the Great Brak Estuary Forum, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), CapeNature and the SPCA.

“This consensus should now be extended to a broader municipal strategy addressing all feral domestic species.”

It recognised that while social media commentary has occurred, it lacks ecological or legal grounding. “No expert body has supported the continued presence of these animals in natural areas.”

Relevant legislation in this regard includes:

Mossel Bay Municipality By-Law relating to Public Nuisances.
Animal Protection Act (No. 71 of 1962).
National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Section 28 – Duty of Care.
NEMBA (Biodiversity Act – No. 10 of 2004) – Protection of indigenous species and ecosystems.
Government Gazette No. 47526 – Listing of Critically Endangered and Endangered Ecosystems.