Several signs indicating no dogs are allowed in Fernkloof Nature Reserve had to be replaced last week, a day after new signs were erected to replace those that had been removed.
Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill confirmed an alarming number of these signs had been either removed or stolen in the past few weeks, costing the municipality thousands of rands in damages.
Fernkloof Rangers discovered early on Thursday morning that all the sign boards indicating where dogs are not permitted on the contour paths were removed and/or stolen once again.
One of the signs that had been removed and damaged was found discarded in one of the dirt bins at the Three Dams.
Other types of vandalism of these specific signs, said O’Neill, include putting stickers on, painting graffiti over them, shooting paintballs and throwing beer bottles at the signs or removing the red stripe indicating dogs are not allowed.
“Although this seems to be a minor theft it is no laughing matter as vandalism costs the municipality hundreds of thousands of rands every year,” O’Neill stated. “This does not only affect the cost of municipal services and rates negatively, but reduces the money available for other community projects and/or upgrades.”
He warned that those found guilty of stealing or vandalising signs could face criminal charges and fines of up to R2 500.
The Blue Route Klipspringer Trail is the only dog-friendly trail in Fernkloof. Dogs are also welcome on the Cliff Path, if leashed.
The reason that not all trails are open for dog walkers, explained O’Neill, is that dogs generally walk alongside their owners while on lead causing widening of the trails and degradation of sensitive fynbos.
The municipality reported there was a noticeable trend of dog owners releasing their dogs from the lead when they think no-one is watching.
As a result there have been a number of incidents of dogs getting bitten by snakes and some dogs even falling into crevices (kloofs) while chasing wildlife resulting in them having to be rescued by the Overstrand Search and Rescue teams.
Dog walkers are requested not to bury dog poop in the sand or throw it out in the fynbos. They are required to clean up after their dogs and to dispose of poop bags in the bins.
The Environmental Management Section (EMS) requests that members of the public who witness any acts of vandalism in nature reserves to report the matter to the 24/7 Overstrand Safety and Security Control Room on 028 313 8980.
