Zebra owner in court battle with authorities

[Sprocky]

2013-12-01 10:06

Durban - Two adult zebras and a 3-week-old foal have become the subject of a court tussle as their owner Brendan Bristow takes on Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife who want the animals removed to a nearby reserve, the Sunday Times reported.

The two adults wandered onto Bristow's Mtunzini property seven years ago after being forced out of a reserve close to the town.

According to the Sunday Times, the zebras live on Bristow's property and roam a nearby golf course. They are also known to pop in to the local pub every so often as well as restaurants and supermarkets.

The local authorities, however, say they should be moved to the Umfolozi Game Reserve - almost 90km away. However, Bristow obtained a court interdict last week to prevent Ezemvelo from removing the animals.

Bristow says his four hectare backer's lodge has more than enough grazing land for the animals. He says they are tame and domesticated and would not be able to fend for themselves

Local residents have meanwhile come out in support of Bristow and have raised a portion of R3.5m needed to fence in the town in order to prevent the zebras from ever wandering to the busy N2 highway that is close by.