Stephan Lehman
Visiting a local park gives community members a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A place of peace and serenity is what families and park-goers hope to find.
The last thing any community member wants is to be charged down by a dog off its leash.
After the NEWS received a complaint from a concerned community member about dogs off their leads, the NEWS decided to enquire what the municipality has to say about dogs in a park.
According to Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, all parks in the municipality should have a sign providing information about dogs in the park.
“All dogs should be kept on leashes at all times,” said Gadebe.
In section seven of the EMM's regulation of parks and open spaces bylaws, it is written:
r In any park where dogs are allowed, such dogs should be kept on leashes. Any person in charge of a dog in a park shall remove any faeces left by such dog.
r The owner of a dog or other animal, or the person who has a dog or other animal in his custody or under his supervision, shall take care that such a dog or other animal does not attack or terrify any person, animal or bird in a park without reasonable cause.
r The Council may impound any dog or other animal found wandering at large and uncontrolled in a park.
Gadebe confirmed that the by laws are correct.
He said the EMPD can enforce the bylaws should they become aware of the dog not being on a leash or the occurrence of any other infringements.
Community members can report infringements of the bylaws to the municipality.
The penalties for not obeying the bylaws are included:
It is quoted as, “A person contravening a provision of these bylaws shall be guilty of an offence and be punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding R2 000 or to both such fine and imprisonment, and in the case of continuing offences, be liable to such fine or imprisonment for each such offence, or to both such fine and imprisonment.”
To find out more about the Ekurhuleni bylaws, visit: www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/ekurhuleni-bylaws
Inspector Jade Nel, of the Edenvale SAPS, said the owner of the dog is always responsible for the dogs.
“Community members are not only responsible for their dog's safety, but for the safety of other people and animals when their dogs are near it.”
She urged community members to exercise caution when walking their dogs in any area and to always have their dogs on a lead.
call to action – Have you witnessed a dog attack in Edenvale or Bedfordview? Share your experience by visiting our website or Facebook page.
