The City has amended and finalised its draft Animal By-law after addressing many of the concerns raised by residents and animal welfare organisations during the first round of the extensive public participation phase.

The final version proposes several improvements to the by-law, which consolidates the various by-laws of ten previous administrations into one uniform piece of legislation. These include the number of pets per household, the protection of animals, the rules governing kennels and catteries and the rules on nuisance behaviour.

Among others, the new provisions offer better protection for animals against fireworks; impose fines of up to R20 000 to prevent dog-fighting; seek to promote the well-being of cart horses; prescribe stricter conditions for kennels and catteries; and deal with animal identification and the removal of dog faeces in public places.

The by-law was tabled at a meeting of the Safety & Security Portfolio Committee meeting on 4 June 2009.

"The City consulted widely and extensively with the public and with animal welfare organisations and we believe that Cape Town’s proposed Animal By-law is one of the most progressive in the country,” says Cllr Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

Copies of the draft Animal By-law may obtained from all subcouncil offices, libraries and by clicking here.

Enquiries may be directed to Senior Inspector Peter Lottering:
Tel 021 577 4088
Fax: 021 577 3616
Cell: 084 211 2115
E-mail: animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za

The closing date for public comment is 31 August 2009.