- Animals on the roadway – 672
- Stray livestock – 497
- Stray dogs – 4 431
- Dog off leash – 107
- Dangerous / vicious dogs – 2 839
- Neglect/cruelty/injury to animals – 325
- Information calls – 628
‘There is no doubt that Cape Town is a caring city as witnessed by the thousands of complaints we receive annually about animal abuse, cruelty, neglect and genuine concern. The by-law aims to help protect public health and safety by setting out the rules for vaccination, quarantine and the treatment of animals. It also includes the regulating of public spaces, such as animals on leashes to keep residents safe. How we treat our most vulnerable furry, and non-furry friends, is a reflection of our values,’ said Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Alderman Mzwakhe Nqavashe.
‘The City takes the welfare of all our residents seriously, including the four-footed, furry and feathered ones. Acting or simply removing an animal can be a lengthy process, especially as the City is limited in when and how we can act. The amendments aim to extend our reach and strengthen our enforcement. By doing so, we are creating a better life for the many animals in the city,’ said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
The amendments to the by-law include:
- Prohibition on the use of animals for hunting
- Prohibition on the use of wild and exotic animals in circuses
- Prohibition on the use of and sale of any adhesive or glue trap, board or any other adhesive trapping device
- Stronger regulation around the use of working animals like security dogs and cart horses; for example, working animals may not work in temperatures greater than 30 degrees Celsius and ensuring the working animals have a rest break at least every hour with access to drinking water
- Better clarity around stray animals and the pound period being reduced from 10 days to seven days for small animals and 30 days to 21 days for large animals.
- Duties of a pound master have been included
- Better clarity is given on nuisance animals and incorporating a mediation mechanism to resolve such issues
- Better clarity around permits
- Better clarity around the keeping of dangerous animals
- Prohibition on interfering with, causing damage or harm, harassing or disturbing wild animals
- Updated standards and requirements on the keeping of animals, operating a commercial kennel or cattery and keeping of large and small livestock, poultry, birds and rabbits.
- Update to the keeping of bees
The draft by-law is available for viewing at any sub-council office and City libraries.
The City’s Public Participation Unit will assist people who cannot read or write, people living with disabilities and people from disadvantaged groups who are unable to submit written comments, to have their comments or input recorded and submitted to the City.
Contact Anathi Dywili on 021 400 9825 or anathi.dywili@capetown.gov.za
Comments, input or recommendations may be submitted by:
- Email: Animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za ·
- Online: Via the Add a comment Button at Comment on the City’s draft Animal Keeping By-law
- Written submission: Llewellyn Grove, Law Enforcement Department, City of Cape Town, 1st Floor, Omniforum Building, 94 Van Riebeek Street, Kuilsriver, 7590
Should you require further information, please contact Llewellyn Grove at animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za.
The public comment period closes on 29 September 2026.
