Criminals are using dogs for illegal poaching in South Africa

Criminals use dogs for illegal poaching on private farms and nature reserves in many areas across South Africa.

Although many people view this as a trivial matter, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has warned that it has reached concerning levels.

Groups of hunters are transported in minibus taxis or unlicensed bakkies to target rural parts of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng.

The criminals cut boundary fences at low-traffic hotspots, unleash packs of trained dogs, and retrieve them later at designated drop-off points.

Poachers primarily use sight-hounds, particularly Greyhounds or Greyhound crossbreeds, for their speed and agility in the bush.

Illegal poaching with dogs has a significant impact on wildlife conservation in South Africa due to the nature of the crime.

Unlike a rifle hunter who selects a specific animal, a pack of free-running dogs kills indiscriminately.

These dogs kill everything from small antelope, such as impala and duiker, to endangered species, such as Blue Crane and Crowned Crane birds.

It is also cruel. The dogs are not trained to kill instantly. They pursue prey to exhaustion and bite it while it is still alive, or keep it pinned until the poachers arrive.

These poachers then kill the animals with knives, spears, or knobkieries. This process can be traumatic for the animals.

The dogs themselves also suffer, as they are frequently starved before a hunt to maximise their aggression and drive.

They are transported in cramped, unventilated vehicles, leading to the rapid spread of diseases like canine distemper and rabies.

Illegal poaching with dogs a growing problem

Poaching or illegal hunting with dogs is an escalating crisis in South Africa, which the DA said is not adequately addressed.

It explained that the South African Police Service (SAPS) often trivialises illegal hunting and poaching with dogs.

It has received complaints from numerous regions that the South African Police Service is reluctant or refuses to open reported incidents of illegal poaching with dogs.

It explained that illegal poaching with dogs violates a myriad of legislation, including:

• The National Environment: The Biodiversity Management Act prohibits hunting without permits or using methods such as dogs.

• The Animal Protection Act provides broad protection for animals from cruelty, including provisions related to illegal hunting with dogs.

• Trespassing Act of 1959: Individuals entering a farm without the owner’s permission to hunt are committing trespass.

The Animal Protection Act provides a foundation for prosecuting animal cruelty, and illegal hunting with dogs is also addressed under other legislation.

This legislation includes the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act or the Nature Conservation Ordinances in South Africa.

“These laws regulate hunting and the use of dogs in hunting, and violators may face additional charges for poaching or illegal hunting,” it said.

Farmers and community members play a crucial role in combating illegal dog hunting, but often with minimal effect due to the capacity constraints of local SAPS.

The DA called for well-resourced rural units with the capacity to enforce the law to effectively prevent the impact of these crimes.