Dear Editor,
There is a butcher who operates a small business in Kitty, but he does not live in the area. My family and I, on the other hand, have resided in Sandy Babb Street for the past twenty years and have always enjoyed cordial relationships with the other residents of this area.
Over the past two years this butcher has been leaving one and sometimes two cows unattended in a vacant lot at 27 Sandy Babb Street obliquely opposite my residence. The actions of the owner are irresponsible and may be construed as a blatant violation of the municipal and traffic laws.
There is also the health hazard to residents of this community – to some more than others. The repugnant smell of cow faeces and urine pervades the atmosphere; the fly population is notably increased during these unhealthy and unacceptable conditions foisted upon us by this inconsiderate person.
On several occasions the animals have escaped from the lot and ventured onto the busy roadway. Sandy Babb Street is always busy with traffic both night and day, and this poses a serious threat to motorists traversing this street, since the street lights in this vicinity are not operational and the area is somewhat dark except for the few yard lights which cast weak illumination on some sections of the road.
One night last year one of these animals escaped and attempted to cross the road, and almost collided with a motorist travelling in a westerly direction. I witnessed this heart-quickening event from my front window, and I reported this to the police station, via telephone, but no one investigated. The skid marks were evident on the road for days thereafter extending from lots 38 through 34.
On another occasion I was forced to capture and remove a huge bull at night, at some considerable risk to my personal safety, from the centre of the street to the Kitty Police Station. These night-time escapades are likely to recur with serious and detrimental consequences if allowed to continue unsanctioned. As I write this letter he has once again left an animal in the vacant lot.
In addition to this, these animals have broken and dislodged my GWI water connection and the technicians have had to repair the damage on two occasions.
There was some damage done on November 22 which I reported to the Kitty Police Station and will be reporting to the GWI offices shortly. I will also be seeking legal advice with regard to damage to my standpipe, nuisance and possibly trespass.
In the interim I would like to encourage those officials whose responsibility it is to ensure that the laws pertaining to communities such as Kitty are administered and enforced. I would also ask them to take note of this ongoing sorry saga.
Yours faithfully,
C Graham
