MEDIA RELEASE
NO. 719/2008
11 DECEMBER 2008

The City of Cape Town, together with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, will implement and monitor measures that ensure the well being of security dogs doing guard duty at more than 700 Council-owned premises.

That’s the message from Leonard Shnaps, the City’s Director of Supply Chain Management. He emphasised that when City departments want to use external service providers, there is a general requirement that contractors must comply with all applicable laws. “The City will not condone cruelty or abuse of animals. We support the strict enforcement of regulations to protect guard dogs,” he said.

Security service providers need to ensure that personnel are registered with PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority). In addition, security officers who work with guard dogs need to have qualified in the dog handling skills required by regulations.

Guard dogs must be properly registered and trained and their use is subject to strict contractual conditions to ensure that they are well treated. “Unfortunately, laws cannot create consideration for animals, so the behaviour of those to whom their well being is entrusted needs to be monitored. The laws, regulations and tender conditions include very reasonable, common-sense requirements - for example that dogs must always have easy access to enough clean, fresh drinking water,” Shnaps said.

The City’s Security Services officials have always remained vigilant about the way in which security dogs are treated, but the current contract is even more specific about the conditions under which the dogs will work while guarding Council premises. SPCA officials have provided valuable assistance in drafting the clauses in the revised contracts for security service providers pertaining to the treatment of guard dogs. City personnel intend to continue this collaboration with the Inspectors of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.

Councillor JP Smith, who chairs the Safety Portfolio Committee, has commended City officials and the SPCA for their pro-active stance, and supports their commitment to creating an environment in which working security dogs are well cared for.


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ISSUED BY:
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 400 3719

MEDIA QUERIES:
CLLR JP SMITH
TEL 021 487 2001 CELL 083 675 3780

LEONARD SHNAPS
TEL 021 400 3190 CELL 084 611 7702