South African farmers are not only concerned about worsening weather patterns, land issues and farm murders, but also have to deal with growing criminal activities on their farms like illegal hunting with dogs. These hunting actions have become more organised and sophisticated over the last decade, adding to the tension between farmers, communities and even conservation authorities. Several farmers have had hair-raising experiences with these trespassers, mostly well-informed about their rights and legal issues and using it to their full benefit.
For the purpose of these guidelines, “hunting” is defined as including all actions of persons unlawfully entering private property, presumably with the intention to steal, capture or kill live-stock or game with the help of a dog or dogs.
The intention of these guidelines is to provide an overview of the problem and some practical guidelines and is not intended to be legal advice.