While walking my dog at Jackson Dam on Saturday, April 2 at about 08:00, my dog got hold of a fishermen’s bait and swallowed it along with a nasty fishhook.
This hook got stuck in her throat just before her airway and had to be removed under anaesthetic. Whilst I know that this is no one’s fault but mine, if the fishermen were more responsible and kept their bait containers closed it would not have happened. This is an area that has been set aside for the enjoyment of all the people who live in the area, to walk their dogs, have picnics, braai and fish.
It would be great if all those who use the area are more aware of what they could be doing, to keep it a safe and pleasant place that everyone can enjoy.
Fishermen need to keep their tackle out of the way and clean up after themselves, so that no one, be it a child, dog, or any of the ducks and other birdlife, will be harmed by anything dangerous, such as fishing line, hooks and so on, that is left unattended or gets left behind.
People walking their dogs need to pick their dog droppings up immediately, and also keep their dogs on a lead, and only let them off where appropriate.
Perhaps it would be an idea to allocate certain areas to certain things: perhaps there could be a spot for fishermen and a separate one for dogs that like to swim.
People braaiing and picnicking must be conscious of their refuse and throw left-over food in bins, especially when it comes to bones, which become a hazard for children running barefoot and the dogs that want to eat the bones.
Packets, papers and empty bottles should also be thrown away in the bins provided.
People should use the toilet facilities and not the grassy area surrounding the dam as a toilet.
We are lucky to have a place like Jackson Dam in our area that we can all enjoy. If everyone who enjoys going there puts in the effort to look after the dam, and shows consideration for everyone else going there, we can keep it a lovely place to visit and enjoy it as a community for many years to come.
Concerned dog owner
Ward councillor, Estelle Visser comments: “The said angler phoned me last week and explained what happened and also complained about the incident. According to him, the dog was not on a leash, which is against the rules governing the situation at the dam and there are two boards up to inform dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes. The boards also indicate that there is an area where dogs should be walked.
“Though there is no indication of such an area and because of incidents like the one above, I asked that a designated area should be fenced off for that specific activity.
“This was put to the Chairperson of the Environmental Oversight and her staff on February 18. I did some follow-up at the end of March and was told they are still in the process of implementing the decision taken.”
