Africa-Press – Namibia. The Grootfontein Town Council will begin impounding stray livestock roaming freely in town from 2026 to improve road safety and protect residents’ property.
The animals – including cattle, horses, goats and donkeys – have been blamed for causing traffic hazards and damaging gardens and crops in residential areas.
The decision follows repeated complaints from residents about livestock entering their yards.
Town spokesperson Luke Salomo on Friday said impounded animals will only be released once owners pay the required fees, while unclaimed animals will be auctioned.
“This is the only way to address environmental and safety concerns in the town,” Salomo said.
He added that keeping livestock within town boundaries is illegal under existing regulations.
The Local Authorities Act allows municipalities to impound animals found trespassing on townlands.
Grootfontein authorities previously acknowledged that enforcement has been challenging, as some livestock owners pressure the council to allocate land for farming within the town.
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