CAPE TOWN APPROVES NEW BY-LAWS – INCLUDING CHANGES FOR PET OWNERS, NOISE AND MOTORISTS

The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee unanimously approved four by-laws at its monthly meeting on Wednesday (1 September).

All four pieces of legislation went through a process of public participation before being finalised for approval, the committee said.

“The approval by the portfolio committee is the first step. From here, the documents will serve before the mayoral committee, and then final approval will need to be obtained from full council,” said committee chairperson Mzwakhe Nqavashe.

“All four by-laws are underpinned by our commitment, as a caring administration, to public safety and safeguarding the rights of all of our residents, as well as our four-legged companions.”

Animal keeping by-law

The animal keeping by-law has been in place since 2010, and has served as a guide to pet ownership, the welfare of working equines and more.

“The updated bylaw is far more comprehensive, and provides a very clear guide to animal owners or care-givers, breeders of animals and the public at large, as to how to apply the duty to care principle to all animals within the city’s jurisdiction,” the city said.

“While the existing provisions around the number of animals to be kept on specific properties and animal sterilisation, among others, are retained and strengthened, the amended bylaw includes specific sections relating to dogfighting, the keeping of other categories of animals like bees, and expands the scope of the legislation to include places of business like pet parlours, pet day care centres and hotels, as well as persons operating in the animal welfare sector.”

The city said that the amended by-law will go a long way to help address these issues and ensure that Cape Town is a city that continues to champion the rights of animals.