Tips to prevent #StockTheft Livestock owners and farmers are once again reminde…

Tips to prevent #StockTheft

Livestock owners and farmers are once again reminded to take precautionary measures to prevent stock theft by applying the following tips.

• Livestock-owners should keep all fences and gates in proper condition to protect their livestock. The employment of a trained employee can be considered for daily fence patrolling.
• Loading ramps in paddocks or on farms away from direct supervision should be kept locked or obstructed at all times.
• Prevent stolen animals from being hidden on your property. Stock-posts serve as ideal overnight stopovers to hide livestock. Unknown livestock found at such posts should immediately be reported to the SAPS.
• Livestock at stock posts should be counted by the livestock-owner him / herself, at least once a week.
• Many court cases are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of animals. If an animal is marked with a registered brand or tattoo, disputes will be avoided. Employees should properly mark their livestock, according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them.
• Report unknown animals among your animals immediately to the SAPS and your neighbours.
• Livestock owners should at all times report all livestock theft cases on their property immediately. The longer you delay, the less the possibility of achieving success.
• The regular herding and counting of animals are of obvious importance.
• Employees should be trained to pay attention to irregularities. Ask your employees to be careful of what they say about activities on the farm in the presence of strangers. Careless talk can lead to livestock losses.
• Report immediately to your Stock Theft Unit when animal speculators as well as hides and bone buyers or livestock dealers are active in your area.
• It often happens that stock theft cases have to be withdrawn due to lack of interest or reluctance shown by some complainants to attend court proceedings. Show interest in solved cases and attend all court cases.

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