PET BURIAL SITE: A pet cemetery established on private land at Swakopmund is the subject of debate at the coastal town. PHOTO: Adam Hartmann
PET BURIAL SITE: A pet cemetery established on private land at Swakopmund is the subject of debate at the coastal town. PHOTO: Adam Hartmann

Fur flies over pet cemetery at Swakop

ADAM HARTMANN
Driving along the road of the Swakopmund Salt Company, something catches the eye - several small earth mounds, crosses and tombstones situated to the side.

Upon closer inspection, a large signpost stating: “NOTICE. This site is not a pet cemetery. Graves will be removed” steals your attention.

But not for long, since as one turns back, one’s gaze is drawn to the approximately two dozen graves at the foot of the signpost.

These are well-kept graves, cleaned and fenced off with tiny fences along with tombstones and crosses. Some are closed with a stone sheet, while others covered in stones painted like tennis balls and pebbles. Some have written eulogies, and some have photos of their loved and lost pet. Some are just earth mounds, while one or two were dug open - probably a scavenger jackal - and skeletal remains strewn around.

There are names - ‘Stompie’, ‘Snippie’, ‘Baron’, ‘Emma’ and ‘Noodle’ among others - of dogs and cats.

This pet cemetery is illegal, but the alternative, according to municipal sources, is that people should contact the municipality to remove dead animals instead of burying them on one’s property for health reasons. It is alleged the animals are destroyed out of town, suggesting that they are cremated.

The Salt Company erected the signboard last year, especially when the number of graves increased. Although the sentiment is understood, the area is still private property. It was suggested by the company that the municipality should consider designating an official pet cemetery for animal lovers at the town.

The company warned that the practice would have to be stopped to ensure it does not get out of hand. [email protected]

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-23

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