Illegal hunting with greyhounds. Photos: Images: KIM LUDBROOK/EPA

An illegal dog hunter will hopefully mend his ways. Wolutu Koti from Nomzamo in the Strand was recently found guilty in the Atlantis Magistrate’s court of hunting protected and unprotected wild animals with dogs and cruelty to animals.

Punishment
Koti was ordered to forfeit his 11 greyhounds to the SPCA. He was also declared unfit to own animals for three years; sentenced to 2 years direct imprisonment suspended for 5 years; and sentenced to R20 000 or two years imprisonment.

How he was caught
Koti was arrested in July 2016 whilst travelling along the R27 West Coast road where a sharp-eyed member of the Melkbosstrand Community Policing Forum spotted his bakkie full of distressed greyhounds. The member contacted the Melkbosstrand police, who intercepted and arrested Koti.

The greyhounds
The greyhounds’ condition at that time was of concern, and prompted the charge of cruelty to animals. According to CapeNature, “the 11 dogs were transported in the back of a double cab vehicle without adequate light, space and ventilation, which resulted in the excessive exposure of the dogs to heat while they were clearly suffering from heat exhaustion after the hunting.”

Illegal hunting. Photos: KIM LUDBROOK/EPA

While the story had a sour ending for Koti it turned out good for the greyhounds. They have been cared for by the SPCA since July last year. They are also getting new homes, with owners who are carefully screened beforehand.

Poaching is on the increase
CapeNature Conservation Services Officer Leandi Wessels thanked the Melkbosstrand Community Policing Forum Melkbosstrand police for their immediate assistance in arresting the hunter.” Wessels warns that “Despite progressive environmental legislation the unprecedented poaching of wildlife in South Africa is increasing.”

Members of the public with information regarding illegal hunting on the West Coast can contact Leandi Wessels on 021 955 9121/0.