On the 15th March Renee Karssing (check spelling on events Comm) observed a bakkie leaving Greendale with calves tied down.

Njabulo Hlongwane responded and stopped them on Main Road. He informed me that they had 6 calves with the hind and fore limbs tied together with twine. He was told to bring the bakkie to the SPCA. Jabulani Mshengu and I inspected the animals and found the manner of transportation and the confinement of the calves unacceptable. The driver was told that he cannot transport them in the current vehicle and needs to hire a trailer.

The calves were off loaded and housed at the clinic were we have shelter for small livestock. The driver was issued with a warning and informed that should we find him transporting any livestock in an unsuitable vehicle,

charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act will be laid against him.

At 16.20 a vehicle arrived to fetch the calves, we were informed that they were going to adjust the seats so that they can accommodate the 6 calves.

We asked them if they think we are stupid, there was no way they are going to transport the calves to Impendle in that fancy vehicle.

They will go down the road and transfer the calves back into the bakkie and tie their limbs again. Unless they come with suitable transport, the calves will not be released.

The calves were fed 2 litres each of calf feed. They were settled in. The one calve decided I was his mother and would not leave me.

When I left he came to the fence and followed bellowing as only calves can do. Once I gave him my fingers he was calm again.

Today that they 2 litres each breakfast and lunch. They not been collected as yet, if they are not we will house them in our isolation block over night as the weather is miserable.

Dudu