Owners must follow all the rules

TOO MANY homeowners have been irresponsible pet owners, causing a large number of body corporates to rule against pet ownership in residential estates and complexes.

“To ensure this doesn’t become a more widespread restriction, homeowners must abide by laws set out by their local municipality, and not allow their bad habits to prevent responsible owners from keeping pets in their homes,” says Adrian Goslett, regional director and chief executive of Re/Max of Southern Africa.

He looks at some laws and gives options for keeping your pet in a happy home:

1 If your pet sleeps outside, provide adequate shelter. “Most kennels do not offer great protection against the elements. Building an awning and tucking the kennel into a corner underneath the roof adds extra protection. The addition also adds value to your home,” says Goslett.

2 You cannot keep your pet tied up for extended periods, according to the Animal Protection Act of 1962. “If you like to keep your dog at bay when you have visitors, put up a fence that gives your pet enough space to run around while you and your guests gather on the other side.”

3 There is a law that restricts the number of animals you are allowed to keep according to the type of property you own. Each region has its own by-laws , but most subscribe to these restrictions for dogs over six months old:

Sectional title: A maximum of two dogs.

Free- standing property: Three dogs.

Property on a plot exceeding 600m2: Four dogs.

Agricultural property: Six dogs.

Cats: no more than four on any residential property, and no more than six on an agricultural property.

If you want pets other than cats, dogs, fish, birds and rodents in a residential area, you need a permit from the relevant local authority.