What the law says about destruction of animals

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s bylaws, found on its website, state that it has the right to euthanise animals in certain circumstances.

Under the heading “Destruction of animals”, it states: “The municipality may order the euthanisation or destruction of an animal which is (a) dangerous or ferocious; or (b) injured or diseased to such an extent that it would be humane to do so.”

The bylaw does not specify a time period between capture and euthanisation.

However, the Animal Protection Act of 1962 does accommodate for a reasonable time for the seized animal to be reclaimed.

Under the act, in the subheading “Notice”, it reads: “If the name and address of the owner of the animal are known to the society, forthwith give notice of the seizure to the owner in the manner best suited under the circumstances; or (b) if the name and address of the owner of the animal are not known to the society and the animal has not been released, within seven days of the seizure, advertise the fact that the animal has been taken into the society’s custody by publication in a newspaper circulating in the district concerned.”

It goes on, under the heading “Disposal”: “Whenever an animal that was taken into the custody of the society has not been claimed within seven days of the advertisement or notice to the owner, the society shall deal with the animal in its discretion; provided that the society may destroy the animal, irrespective of the condition of the animal, if the animal cannot be disposed of otherwise.”