04 Dec 2019

Wild dogs are in the list of species that attract compensation to farmers. 

This was said by Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Karabo Gare when answering a question on behalf of Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Phildah Kereng. 

Mr Gare said they were aware of the concern by farmers who lost their livestock due to hyenas and wild dogs throughout the country. 

He observed that there were calls to include spotted hyena in the list due to the damage that it caused to livestock throughout the country as it was widely distributed. 

He noted that compensation was currently being paid for species listed as dangerous animals in the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act of 1992. 

He said the act does not include hyena, cheetah and wild dog, but were added at a later point for conversation considerations. 

He further indicated that government consulted relevant stakeholders through social dialogue on the hunting ban when such recommendations to include hyena in animals listed for compensation was made. 

Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi North, Ms Talitha Monnakgotla had asked the minister if he was aware of the serious concern by farmers who lost their livestock due to hyenas and wild dogs in the Kgalagadi region. 

Ms Monnakgotla also wanted the minister to consider adding the two species to the listed species for compensation to farmers.  ENDS