EDITOR – As someone who walks around the neighbourhood, I have noticed that there are more and more people walking their dogs throughout the day.
This is marvellous, but, regrettably, few of them bother to dispose of their dog’s poop.
This seems to be rather careless and rude, as well as spoiling common areas.
As a community service, could the paper possibly print some guidelines and appeal to people to respect others and care more completely for their pets?
There might even be some municipal by-laws in this regard, of which people should be made aware.
In several overseas countries, it is a punishable offence not to deal properly with one’s dog’s poop.
Thank you in anticipation of bringing this to people’s attention and perhaps sparking some positive action.
Angela Vogt.
EDITOR’S COMMENT – The City of Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson Themba Gadebe’s comment is as follows:
There are by-laws in place regarding the above-mentioned issue.
According to the Regulation of Parks and Open Spaces by-laws, points 7.2 and 7.3:
• In any park where dogs are allowed, dogs should be kept on leashes. Any person in charge of a dog in a park shall remove any faeces left by their dog.
• Except in the event of a blind person being led by a guide dog, in which instance the faeces will be removed by the maintenance team of the department.
Copies of the by-laws are available on the CoE’s website.
Penalties for contravening the by-laws include, but are not limited, to:
• Conviction by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months
• A fine not exceeding R 2000.
• A fine and imprisonment in the case of continuing offences.
