No more horsing around
JOBURG - Fourways is known for being an animal-loving community but residents should acquaint themselves with new municipal bylaws relating to keeping animals.
The new bylaws will come into effect on 1 May this year and include rules about keeping dogs as pets, and keeping horses.
According to a statement released by the city council, a dog which barks for more than two hours continuously will be removed from its owners’ property and will only be returned once the owner pays a fine which could range from R250 to
R1 000 depending on the decibel level of the bark. One of the suggestions in the statement is that dog owners should consider investing in devocalization surgery for their canine friends to avoid flouting the bylaws.
Candice Eilertsen of Ark Animal Centre said she was outraged by the new bylaw. “This law clearly persecutes dogs and their owners in Joburg,” she said.
“It’s not a crime to offer a dog a good home, this will mean that residents will be more reluctant to adopt dogs as pets, our shelter and other shelters will reach full capacity and eventually there will just be hundreds of stray dogs walking the streets.”
Another new bylaw which may affect Fourways residents stipulates that vehicles always have the right of way, not riders on horses.
Vehicles are no longer required to slow down when passing riders on horses as the new bylaws state that horse riders may no longer use public roads during the hours of 6am to 6pm.
This is apparently to make sure that traffic is free-flowing at peak times without the hindrance of equestrian activities.
Local ward councillor Matome Mafokwane said he was in full agreement with the new bylaws, especially those relating to horses. “We are living in a modern age and need to embrace that,” he said. “Fourways needs to say goodbye to the horse and cart age and get with the times.”
Will you be affected by the new bylaws? Let us know in the comments below.
