This morning on Smile Breakfast you may have heard two shocking stories.

Proposed amendments to the animal by-law

The first story focused on how Local authorities are looking to amend the animal by-law, which will have serious implications for pet-owners. From the 1st of June, pet owners might have to fork out hundreds of rand to register their dogs, cats and other domestic animals. Under the proposed a-mend-ments, a dog which weighs up to 10kg, will cost R500 annually to register, while dogs heavier than 20kg will cost R1000. Cats will carry a flat fee of R1000, while exotic animals will cost R5000 to register. (Public hearings on the matter will start next week.)

The second story focused on the current challenges in the Aviation Industry

The ICAO – the International Civil Aviation Authority has released a statement imposing a weight restriction on passengers. CAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu discussed a range of pressing air transport priorities earlier this week with the assembled Directors General of Civil Aviation for the 56 ICAO European and North Atlantic (EUR/NAT) Member States. With effect from 1 May 2019, there will be an excess charge of 5 euro (about R 82) per kg charged for passengers over 90kgs. This is in keeping with safety guidelines as set out to ensure Improved Aviation Safety, Strengthened Regulatory Capacity, Increased Air Navigation Capacity, Reduced Aviation Security Risk, Improved Environmental Performance of Aviation and Strengthened Aviation Professional Skills.

This levy will not affect currently booked tickets but all air transportation from 1 May will be affected. Passengers are encouraged to be truthful about their weight as this will be verified at the airports on check-in.

This will start with international flights and will include all domestic flights as of 1 September 2019.

No need to be alarmed….APRIL FOOLS!  Did you fall for it?