Cape Town’s proposed amendments to its Animal Keeping By-Law have sparked debate over whether the City is effectively introducing a pet licensing system, and whether some of the proposed enforcement powers go too far.

The City says the amendments are aimed at strengthening animal welfare, public health and safety, while giving officials greater powers to enforce the rules.

The proposals include tighter regulations for working animals, new rules around circuses and glue traps, changes to the handling of stray animals, and provisions allowing law enforcement officers to seize animals being kept in contravention of the by-law.

The scale of the problem is reflected in the City’s figures. Its Animal Control Unit responded to 9,499 calls during the last financial year, including 4,431 reports of stray dogs, 2,839 involving dangerous or vicious dogs, 672 reports of animals on roadways and 325 relating to neglect, cruelty or injury to animals.

On The Honest Truth with Benito Vergotine, Smile FM spoke to Samantha Mann, General Manager of the Mdzananda Animal Clinic and Shelter, and Jaco Pieterse, former Chief Inspector of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, about what the proposed changes could mean for animals, owners and residents.

Is the City introducing a new pet licensing system?

Not exactly.

Pieterse says permit requirements are not new and were already contained in the previous Animal Keeping By-Law. The existing by-law also referred to a prescribed fee for permits, but he says the City has indicated that it intends to remove the reference to a permit fee.

He says residents should use the public participation process to raise concerns about the wording rather than rejecting the entire by-law.

The City says the amendments will provide greater clarity around permits and the keeping of dangerous animals.

So, what is actually changing?

Several animal welfare and enforcement provisions are being strengthened.

The proposed amendments include prohibiting the use of wild and exotic animals in circuses, banning the use and sale of adhesive or glue traps, and prohibiting the use of animals for hunting.

There are also proposed restrictions on interfering with, harming, harassing or disturbing wild animals.

Pieterse says the proposed ban on wild and exotic animals in circuses is something animal welfare groups have campaigned for over many years.

He also highlights the proposed ban on glue traps, which he says can cause prolonged suffering and can also trap indigenous wildlife.

What about working animals?

The City is proposing stronger regulations around working animals, including security dogs and cart horses.

Working animals would not be allowed to work when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius and would have to receive a rest break at least every hour, with access to drinking water.

Pieterse says these changes could make a significant difference to the welfare of working animals.

The City says the amendments are intended to extend its reach and strengthen enforcement.

What about sterilising dogs and cats?

One of the provisions attracting attention is the requirement relating to sterilisation of dogs and cats over six months.

Mann says this is not entirely new, as sterilisation provisions were already contained in the previous by-law.

From an animal welfare perspective, she says enforcing sterilisation could help tackle the large number of unwanted and neglected animals entering shelters.

“Our shelters are full,” Mann says.

She believes reducing unwanted litters through sterilisation could help bring animal numbers under control.

Could microchipping help reunite lost pets with their owners?

Mann says it can.

Her clinic has introduced microchipping for animals coming in for sterilisation or other surgery, and she says this has already helped reunite some dogs with their owners.

The City’s proposals also seek to update standards and requirements for the keeping of various types of animals, including dogs, cats, livestock, poultry, birds and rabbits.

What happens to stray animals?

The City is proposing changes to the pound period for stray animals.

For small animals, the period would be reduced from 10 days to seven days, while for large animals it would be reduced from 30 days to 21 days.

The proposed amendments would also set out specific duties for a pound master and provide greater clarity around the handling of stray animals.

What about permits for people who have more pets than the prescribed number?

The proposed rules do not necessarily mean residents will simply be prohibited from keeping more animals.

Pieterse says the by-law makes provision for residents to apply for a permit if they have more than the prescribed number of animals.

That application can involve an inspection and consultation with neighbours to determine whether the animals could create a nuisance.

Mann says the number of animals permitted can also depend on factors such as where someone lives and the size of their property.

The proposed by-law also includes greater clarity around nuisance animals and introduces a mediation mechanism to help resolve disputes.

Can officials simply arrive at your home and conduct a warrantless search?

Pieterse says residents should not interpret the provisions that way.

He says warrantless searches are already provided for under existing law and the previous Animal Keeping By-Law.

However, he says there must be justifiable grounds for such a search.

He gives the example of an alleged organised dog fight where law enforcement arrives while the activity is taking place. In circumstances where waiting to obtain a warrant could result in the evidence, animals or suspects disappearing, a warrantless search may be justified.

Pieterse says the draft by-law’s provisions dealing with searches and warrants need to be read together.

The City says the proposed amendments would also specifically provide for law enforcement officers to seize animals being kept in contravention of the by-law, while creating a dedicated section dealing with the enforcement role of animal inspectors.

Does the proposed by-law mean more animals could be seized?

The City says one of the reasons for the amendments is to make it easier for officials to act where animals are being kept in contravention of the rules.

Mann, however, does not believe the amendments will result in more animals being abandoned or surrendered.

She says stronger enforcement, particularly around sterilisation, could ultimately reduce the number of animals needing shelter or being handed over.

Does the by-law need to be changed before it is adopted?

Yes, according to Pieterse.

He says some sections need refinement, particularly the provisions around warrantless searches.

He also wants the City to remove the reference to permit fees, as it has indicated it will do, and to consider comments received during the public participation process.

The City says the draft is currently open for public comment.

How can residents have their say?

The public comment period closes on 29 September 2026.

Comments can be submitted by email to Animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za, online through the City’s public participation platform, or by written submission to the Law Enforcement Department in Kuils River.

The City says its Public Participation Unit can also assist people who cannot read or write, people living with disabilities and people from disadvantaged groups who are unable to submit written comments.

What would success look like?

For Mann, the real measure will be whether the changes lead to fewer unwanted animals.

She says reducing animal numbers through sterilisation and mass sterilisation campaigns, combined with stronger enforcement, could make a significant difference to the animal welfare organisations working in vulnerable communities.

The City says the broader aim is to improve animal welfare while protecting public health and safety.

For pet owners, the message from the discussion is to understand what is actually changing, and to make use of the public participation process before the final by-law is adopted.