Keep pets under control

Our thoughts are with the family of Zimkhitha Gaga, whose tragic death a year ago highlighted the danger uncontrolled pets pose to members of the public.

Ndlambe Municipality’s bylaws are clear on the obligations of owners.

Not complying with these bylaws is considered an offence.

Below we share excerpts from these bylaws, which you can read in full at: https://bit.ly/Ndlambe DogBylaws.

The owner or keeper of an animal:

May not cause or allow it to interfere with the comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of other people;

Must provide such animal with shelter, water and proper food ; and

Must maintain the premises at which an animal is kept in a neat condition to prevent the occurrence of a public nuisance.

Dogs or cats in public places

The owner or keeper of a dog or cat may not bring or allow it in a street or public place unless the dog is on a leash and the cat is under physical control.

Except in the event of a blind person being led by a guide dog, a person in charge of a dog in a street or public place, must remove any faeces left by the dog by wrapping it in paper or plastic and disposing of it in a receptacle provided for litter or refuse.

Specific provisions relating to dogs

Control of dogs: No person who owns or keeps a dog may

Permit a bitch on heat to be in a street or public place without supervision;

Urge a dog to attack, worry or frighten any person or animal, unless in selfdefence;

Keep a dog if the premises is not adequately fenced to keep such dog inside when it is not on a leash; or permit a dog

To trespass on private property;

To constitute a hazard to traffic using any public road;

To constitute a source of danger or injury to a person outside the premises on which such dog is kept; or

To be a source of danger to employees of the municipality entering such premises for the purpose of carrying out their duties. A notice to the effect that a dog is kept must be displayed in a conspicuous place;

Keep any dog which interferes materially with the comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of neighbours by–

Barking, yelping, howling or whining;

Charging any vehicles, animals, poultry, pigeons or people outside any premises where it is kept; or

Behaving in any other manner.

The municipality may seize and impound a dog which is found in a street or public place in contravention with the provisions of this bylaw.

A dog that has been impounded in terms of this subsection, may be released to the owner upon payment of a fee determined by the municipality.

The municipality may seize and impound a dog which is found in a street