Croc odour leaves town in stink

2003-02-17 22:55

Jan Taljaard

George - Residents are getting fed-up with foul smells emanating from a crocodile farm located on the western outskirts of the picturesque southern Cape town.

So bad are the odours that city fathers at Monday's monthly council meeting had to decide whether to allow the 5 000 crocodiles with bad breath to stay on.

Documents tabled at the council meeting stated that Heribert Seyer collects carcasses of farm animals to feed his crocodiles. Some of these carcasses are in an advanced state of decomposition, spreading "odours and flies".

The council said Seyer had been warned in writing on various occasions to refrain from bringing carcasses into town, but he had ignored these requests.

The council also alleged that Seyer poured the blood of the slaughtered animals into the town's sewage system.

Seyer has been renting the land for his crocodile farm from the council since July 1, 1994. His lease expires on May 31, 2004.

The council alleged that Seyer had since signed contracts with various farmers for horse, sheep and cattle carcasses. Some of the carcasses, however, are three days old by the time he fetches them.

It is also alleged that Seyer cut up the carcasses in a slaughter house not designed for the purpose.

The council's executive committee recommended that Seyer be requested not to accept any rotten carcasses in future and that his contract with the municipality not be renewed on expiry.

It was also recommended that the stand be considered for future development and that city planning should probe the possible relocation of the crocodile farm.

- Die Burger Oos