It has been over two years since public participation closed on a draft environmental by-law relating to dog ownership. Yet, its passing and implementation by the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) remain outstanding.

Annie Jungmann, the founder of The Animal Guardians (TAG) in Cloverdene, said the city should urgently clarify the status of the draft by-law and ensure its responsible implementation to prevent further loss of human and animal life.

By-law explained
CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the draft by-law, along with input from animal welfare organisations and the public, has been submitted to the Legal and Risk Department for vetting.

“Once complete, it will be forwarded to the relevant portfolio committees for consideration before heading to council for final approval,” he said.

However, he was unable to indicate a timeline.

If adopted, the by-law would enable the city to:
• Exercise control over the number of dogs a person can keep;
• Breeding;
• Owner control of dogs;
• Impounding of strays;
• Prevent nuisances arising from keeping dogs.

The draft also proposes reintroducing dog licences and that the Department of Health and Social Development and the EMPD would have the authority to confiscate or classify dangerous breeds.

Further stipulations include that written municipal consent, subject to additional conditions, will be imposed to allow an unspayed bitch to be kept on any premises.

All dogs would have to be kept on fenced and secure properties and be required to wear collars with ID tags or be microchipped.

Animal welfare organisation voices concerns
“The TAG made submissions regarding the by-law,” said Jungmann, a staunch animal activist and supporter of responsible ownership.

“On paper, the proposals make sense. But we need more support, especially in townships, to enforce sterilisation and vaccination.”

She explained that sterilised dogs often have calmer temperaments.

“When an animal is in heat, nature takes over. Males may become restless or aggressive due to pheromones released by fertile females. This might lead to packs of eligible suitors taking to the streets, putting themselves and humans at risk.”

She continued by saying that despite TAG’s ongoing outreach, which sterilises and vaccinates dogs from informal settlements, their efforts are only a drop in the ocean.

“In an ideal world, all dogs should be sterilised, and it must be implemented across the board. Regular rabies vaccination drives should be prioritised. These efforts cannot rest solely on the shoulders of welfare groups,” she said.

Dlamini reaffirmed that the draft by-law states: “The metro will implement sterilisation of dogs should it deem it necessary and in the best interests of the animal. The purpose of sterilisation will be to prevent a nuisance. The CoE will also spay stray dogs.

“Implementing the by-laws will fall under the jurisdiction of three departments – Community Services, Community Safety and the Legal and Risk Management departments.

“If adopted, the by-law will be implemented in accordance with each departments’ area of focus. An authorised official will be appointed and be responsible for the implantation thereof.”

Jungmann further stated that for successful implementation, owner education and comprehensive community awareness campaigns need to be enhanced to prevent attacks with tragic outcomes.

“Attacks very seldom happen unprovoked,” said Jungmann.

“Responsible ownership and community awareness go hand-in-hand in preventing injury or loss of life.”

The Benoni SPCA was approached for comment, but we had received none at the time of going to print.

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