“The updated animal keeping by-law is now far more comprehensive and provides a very clear guide on the ‘duty to care’ principle for all animals within the city’s jurisdiction. The by-law sets out the responsibilities of animal owners, caregivers, breeders of animals, and the public at large,” the Mayco said.

Here are the new rules for pet owners that everyone needs to be aware of:

Animal Care

A basic duty of care that animal owners need to adhere to includes:

• All animals need sufficient accommodation, food, water, and shelter. Pet owner rules are set out according to the animal keeping by-law and other relevant legislation as determined by the authorised official who may consult with animal welfare inspectors.
• Any form of animal cruelty is prohibited. This includes animal fighting, neglect, and violence towards animals.
• Public spaces where animals can be exercised are necessary. These include free-run public spaces for dogs and public spaces where horses are permitted to be ridden. These public spaces should be signposted and must form part of the urban landscape.
• The locations of these public spaces should be communicated regularly via the city’s communication channels to the public.
• Dogs are otherwise required to be on leashes or under the control of owners. Owners are individuals 18 years and above.

Registration of Animals

The city said that pet registration is essential. This is because it enables it to monitor animal populations. It also gathers vital data to improve animal-related interventions. Furthermore, it ensures that inspections can be carried out to ensure the responsible keeping of animals. It also enables the city to reunite owners and lost pets or assist when pets have been stolen.

For this reason, the owners of certain pets are required by the city’s by-law to register their pets. This will be qualified in the city’s by-law relating to the keeping of animals and subsequent administrative instruments such as standard operating procedures.

• The permitting of small and large animals, including dogs, cats, and horses, is compulsory. The city will determine the format and process of registration.
• Registration may be done online via the city’s website or by submitting a registration form to a city office or as a part of a registration drive run by the city from time to time.

“Registration is required to ensure that pets can be reunited with their owners in the case of separation,” the city said. “In the case of a stray animal, the first step in the process is for the animal to be reunited with their owner; this will be done by accessing the registration data by the welfare organisation. If the pet is not registered and the owner cannot be found, the pet will be put up for adoption.”

Nuisance and Noise

The City of Cape Town has a responsibility to attend to reports of nuisance and noise caused by pets. But the “neighbourly living” rule must first be applied when a case is not severe.

Neighbourly living means attempting to solve issues between residents through conversations and mediation in order to promote harmonious living environments.

If no resolution between residents can be found after conversations and mediation, the complainant can approach the street committee. They can also approach the neighbourhood watch, or body corporate with their complaint.

If the above mentioned do not remedy the situation, the City of Cape Town may send an authorized official to investigate the nuisance situation.

The post New rules for pet owners planned in Cape Town appeared first on Petz.