Barking up the wrong tree: Bylaws you need to know regarding ownership of pets
Following a recent incident where a three-year-old toddler died after being mauled by a dog, Bonus engaged relevant stakeholders in Polokwane to break down some of the bylaws regarding owning pets, as well as spoke to a local doctor to find out why it is important for one to consult a doctor after they have been bitten by an animal.
POLOKWANE – Following a recent incident where a three-year-old toddler died after being mauled by a dog, Bonus engaged relevant stakeholders in Polokwane to break down some of the bylaws regarding owning pets, as well as spoke to a local doctor to find out why it is important for one to consult a doctor after they have been bitten by an animal.
Read more: Toddler (3) dies after being savagely mauled by dogs at a tavern in Mahwelereng
“A lot of people take it very lightly when they are bitten by a dog or even an insect and see it as a minor accident, however insect and dog bites can cause more harm than anticipated. Insect bites and stings can easily go unnoticed until a person fully examines their body or feels an uncomfortable spot, that is usually when a person may notice that they have been bitten by an insect.
The million dollar question now would be which insect, in order for the bite to be treated accordingly,” explained Dr Precious Moraswi from Mankweng Hospital. Dr Moraswi added that dog bites also need attention as dogs, just like insects are carriers and transporters of various infectious diseases, including rabies. “Dog bites can cause injury and pain as well as cause an infection if not treated accordingly. Children need Tetenus shots, which should be up to date to avoid a child from getting infected,” she added.
Signs to look out for which indicate a dog or cat bite may need medical attentions include: Swelling, loss of sensation around the area bitten, fever and chills, tenderness around the bite and night sweats.
Polokwane Municipality in an interview with BONUS outlined some of the bylaws which every dog or cat owner must abide by and those include:
• It must be constructed of durable materials and must have access thereto adequate for cleaning purposes
• In the case of dogs, a dog kennel of moulded asbestos or other similar material, which is movable, and placed on a base constructed of concrete or other durable material with an easily cleaned finish, without cracks or open joints, may be provided instead of a shelter contemplated in subsection and if the base of such kennel is not rendered water-proof, a sleeping board which will enable the dog to keep dry, must be provided in every such kennel.
• A portable water supply must be provided in or adjacent to the enclosure adequate for drinking and cleaning purposes.
• All dog or cat breeders must take effective measures for the prevention of harbouring or breeding and for the destruction of flies, cockroaches, rodents and other vermin and for the prevention of offensive odours arising from the keeping of dogs or cats.
• Ensure that dogs and cats kept on the premises do not disturb or hinder the comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of the public.
Failure to do so will and may lead to the owner of the above-mentioned pets liable and guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or in default of payment to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding R50, or in default of payment to imprisonment not exceeding one day, for every day during the continuance of such offence after a written notice has been issued by the Council and served on the person concerned requiring the discontinuance of such offence.
Image credit: Well Pet Coach
