For some, the close proximity of wild game and domestic animals may seem like a recipe for calamity, but residents at the Sardinia Bay Golf & Wildlife Estate say the situation there remains one of harmony.
That is, of course, provided certain protocols are followed when taking pets out for exercise around the estate.
An ever-evolving wildlife population on the estate, which includes springbok, eland, bushbuck and zebra, means care has to be taken by residents. But it is something to which they have become accustomed, accepting conditions put in place to ensure peaceful co-existence.
In addition, resident Wayne Broedelet says, there is a limitation to the number of pets you may have, which naturally helps keep the animal population to manageable proportions.
They have two French poodles, which they are able to take for walks around the development.
“There are excellent areas within the estate to walk your pets but obviously they have to be on a leash,” he says. “That is a non-negotiable.
“But my pets have got so used to the wildlife that they do not even take notice of them anymore.”
He says there are a few basic rules to be followed to avert any problems or dangerous situations.
“For instance, it’s common sense to stay a fair distance from the wildlife as you walk through the estate and to make sure you don’t walk right across their path of movement.
“If these sorts of things are observed, I don’t see any reason why pets and wildlife can’t live in harmony.”
For Sardinia Bay estate couple Nikki and Yanesh Naidoo their animals, a golden retriever and a Jack Russell cross, have also learnt to live with the wildlife on the estate.
“The rules in place are to make sure you clean up their mess and that you have them on a leash when going for walks,” says Nikki.
“As long as our dogs are on a leash they do not take any notice of the wild animals in the near vicinity.
“They are really only interested in sniffing where other dogs have left some scent.”
She adds that the dogs will sometimes bark at wildlife when they see them from within the yard or if the animals get too close to the house’s boundary wall.
“But that is the nature of a dog – to protect its area,” she says.
An awareness of certain situations is important in order to maintain the environment of peaceful co-existence.
“For example, when a new baby has been born it is best to avoid getting too close to the animal as they are very aggressive in protecting their babies at that time,” says Nikki.
“In circumstances where there are no rules or infrastructure in place it would be difficult for domestic and wild animals to co-exist. But it works at Sardinia Bay as long as the regulations are followed.”