“Your lovable canine needs to be licenced,” stated a municipal notice, which has created much debate among those who have pets or who pet-sit for holidaymakers in towns like Hermanus which fall under the municipality.
According to News24 the by-laws state a dog (or dogs) must be registered and an annual tax of R86 is payable per dog.
This provision does not apply to cats.
Prior consent of the municipality to keep pets is not required, but dogs must be registered, and their licences paid up.
There is also a limit to the number of animals that can be kept.
“Unless dog and cat owners apply for a special permit, they will not be allowed to keep more than two dogs or more than three cats on any erf or premises.
“The failure to be in possession of such a permit constitutes a violation of the by-law. The special permit may not replace any dog that dies or is lost or disposed of,” said the municipal notice.
There are a few more exemptions to the list of people who need a dog license, including:
- Premises which are used for veterinary treatment.
- Facilities which train service dogs.
- Dog breeders (who have the council’s consent).
- Properties where dogs are kept for security purposes.
