THE eThekwini Municipal council has adopted a Notice of Motion calling for an urgent review of municipal by-laws and enforcement measures relating to dangerous dogs following the attack that claimed the life of Nomvula Ndlela (27) on July 2 in Woodlands, Montclair.

The motion, tabled during a full council sitting, was proposed by Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert.

It was submitted to the Speaker of eThekwini Municipality, Thabani Nyawose, and received the support of council members.

Also read: Woman dies in horrific pitbull attack in Montclair

The adopted motion focusses on addressing public safety concerns and strengthening the enforcement of municipal by-laws governing dangerous dogs in residential areas.

Council acknowledged the tragic circumstances surrounding Ndlela’s death and recognised the need for improved measures to protect communities from similar incidents.

According to the motion, council expressed deep concern over the fatal attack and noted that weakness in compliance monitoring, intervention and bylaw enforcement have placed residents at unnecessary risk.

Also read: Elderly Wentworth woman mauled by two pit bulls

Councillors agreed that stronger oversight and more effective implementation of existing regulations are needed to improve public safety.

As part of the resolution, the Executive Committee (Exco) has been instructed to investigate the effectiveness of current municipal by-laws, enforcement practices and compliance measures relating to dangerous dogs and pets.

The Executive Committee is expected to launch an investigation

The committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations back to council.

The investigation will focus on identifying practical measures to strengthen enforcement, improve public safety and prevent future attacks.

Recommendations could include:

• Enhanced monitoring.
• Stricter compliance measures.
• Improved response procedures where dangerous animals are reported.

Gilbert welcomed the adoption of the motion. He said it marks an important step towards ensuring that residents are protected and that municipal regulations are properly enforced.

Also read: Dog attack: 10-year-old Wentworth boy mauled by pit bull

“The tragic loss of Nomvula Ndlela has highlighted the need to review how dangerous dog by-laws are implemented and enforced. We owe it to our communities to ensure that every possible measure is taken to prevent similar incidents from happening again,” he said.

Gilbert added that he remains committed to seeing the investigation through and ensuring that the community is kept informed of its progress.

“I will continue engaging with the Executive Committee and provide updates as the investigation moves forward. Public safety must remain a priority, and we must work together to create safer neighbourhoods for all residents,” he said.

He said Exco will investigate and report back to the council to ensure that the by-laws are adhered to at all the times.

Gilbert calls for stronger by-law enforcement

“Our biggest problem in eThekwini is the enforcement of the by-laws. In one of our meetings with the metro police, they indicated that they do not have sufficient resources to catch the animals. It emerged that metro police officers have no training to catch animals like dogs. I am proposing that the Dog Unit should be expanded so that the unit will have additional officers to enforce the by-laws,” said Gilbert.

He said the City should prioritise the enforcement of the by-laws in our communities.

“I am currently working with community activists who care for the dogs to develop a proposal for the review of the municipal by-laws and how the City can improve its approach to managing dangerous dogs,” he added.

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