When dogs become a bone of contention
By-laws relating to dogs and cats seldom allow for more than two dogs at a dwelling, but pet owners often turn a blind eye to such rules.
Subject to some provisions, no person is usually allowed to keep more than two dogs at a dwelling except if the holder of a permit issued to keep kennels; owning or managing a pet shop and has written proof that all the dogs have been properly vaccinated according to specific regulations.
In any suburb, but even more in modern cluster or sectional title schemes, ownership of pets can be a bone of contention. Whether by owners or their tenants, this issue often causes debate as to the sort of pet allowed and how to manage it.
Owners should first check whether local bylaws have any restrictions with regard to the number of dogs, and further use common sense as to decide whether it is desirable to keep pets in the area available.
Animals can be a nuisance to neighbours, but it can also be detrimental to the animals themselves if kept in a confined space. If this is the case, they should be taken for exercise regularly.
Lastly, pet owners should be able to care for pets properly. Marcelle Hoffmann of the Nelspruit SPCA says any kind of neglect causes suffering. “Neglect to provide veterinary care, dirty environments, and not providing healthy balanced food all contribute to suffering.”
She emphasises that owning any animal is a privilege. “They have the right to a healthy life, therefore SPCA staff and management are dedicated to prevent any animal suffering.
The Animals Protection Act no 71 of 1962 stating offences in respect of animal neglects as:
“Being the owner of any animal, deliberately or negligently keeps such animal in a dirty or parasitic condition or allows it to become infested with external parasites or fails to render or procure veterinary or other medical treatment or attention which he is able to render or procure for any such animal in need of such treatment or attention, whether through disease, injury, delivery of youngster or any other cause, or fails to destroy or cause to be destroyed any such animal which is so seriously injured or diseased or I such physical condition that to prolong its life would be cruel and would cause such animal to suffer.”
Read more about when owners outraged because pets were confiscated
