Pet ownership is a privilege
Providing adequate shelter, food and water are imperative in the fight against animal cruelty
THERE are not many Zululand households without pets.
We are, after all, animal crazy and apparently unable to say ‘no’ to ‘just one more fur-child’.
There are, however, strict laws when it comes to pet ownership and people should not think otherwise, despite an apparent lack of enforcement of these laws.
‘According to the Animal Protection Act of 1962, anyone who does not prescribe to the regulations set out by the Act and its by-laws may receive a penalty fine of up to R4 000 and could even face imprisonment for a period of 12 months,’ said Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX Southern Africa
‘It is important to know the legal requirements of pet ownership in your city before you bring a pet into your home.
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Across South Africa, animal cruelty is defined in the Act as ‘affording inadequate shelter, light or ventilation in which such animal is excessively exposed to heat, cold, weather, sun, rain, dust exhaust gases or noxious fumes’.
The act also stipulates that ‘making adequate provision for suitable food, potable water and rest’ for the animal is a minimum requirement of pet ownership.
It explicitly disallows animals to be chained or tethered unnecessarily or in a manner that causes the animal unnecessary suffering.
For pets sleeping outside, providing a kennel under an awning ensures adequate protection from the elements.
Pet owners needing to keep energetic dogs separate from visitors should fence off part of the garden rather than tying the dog to a tree or pole.
There is also a law restricting the number of pets allowed on a property.
While by-laws vary, most regions agree that two dogs can be kept at sectional title units, three can be kept on freestanding properties, four can be kept on plots exceeding 600m² and six dogs can be kept on agricultural property.
No more than four cats can be kept on any residential property and no more than six can be kept on agricultural properties.
For pets other than dogs, cats, fish, birds or rodents, municipal permits must be obtained.
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