Animals don’t belong on roads

IT’S not only heartbreakingly sad, but also completely unacceptable that Pieter Prinsloo, animal lover and inspector, should have died after being struck by a vehicle while leading stray cattle off the national N2 highway near Macassar.

Questions must be asked, why these cattle (who are the owners?) were on one of Cape Town’s busiest and major highways in the first place and why the City does not ensure fences are maintained and repaired.

Cattle, livestock and even pedestrians (as well as rioters or protesters) should not be allowed on a national road let alone any major route. Vehicle drivers do not expect them and colliding with animals can prove fatal.

For years I’ve heard of people complaining about livestock dangerously crossing or grazing on highway verges.

I’ve written to the City several times about broken township fences whereby owners allow their animals to wander on verges or across roads grazing. Stolen or broken fences are providing lethal access to both people and livestock onto our highways.

The City, the province and Sanral (national roads) should get together and ensure barrier fences are maintained and repaired and that the roadways remain clear of all obstacles. Prinsloo’s untimely and devastating death should be honoured and respected with ensuring that our roadways are perfectly protected for any surprising, unexpected and dangerous encounters. Agi Orfanos West Beach, Blouberg