POOP SCOOP BAGS

Dog owners may soon be forced to carry poop scoop bags and put identity collars on their pets – if a new animal by-law gets the nod from the City of Cape Town.

The city’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee said this would be the first time that a City Council by-law would make the poop scoop bags compulsory.

This proposed by-law is still in draft form, but it will impose stricter penalties on pet owners for various transgressions.

Previously the dogs risked being impounded if owners did not respond to complaints of incessant barking but the new by-law will impose heavier fines on their owners themselves.
Dog-owners, whose dogs attacked and injure people as a result of the owners own negligence, will no longer be able to get off with an admission of guilt fine. They will get a written warning and/or a very heavy fine if the victim lays a complaint and the SPCA will also get involved. You may also be held liable for all medical costs.

In Addition:

  • The new by-law, if passed, will require breeders and kennel owners to register with the city council.
  • The number of dogs allowed on a dwelling would be limited to four, one more than was allowed by old by-laws for the city.
  • The city is committed to ensuring that the new by-law serves the interests of animal lovers and the broader community

BARKING DOGS

Before contacting Law Enforcement or taking your frustrations out in an anonymous note, go to the neighbour and kindly inform them of their barking dog and offer a possible solution. They may be totally unaware of the problem, seeing that most household members are at work all day. Don’t threaten them with fines and Law Enforcement, as this route usually only starts a neighbourhood feud and has no constructive results.

If you receive a complaint from a neighbour, take it seriously; don’t wait for Law Enforcement/Metro Police to arrive on your doorstep. A vet told me that it was a good idea to ask the neighbour to squirt the dog with some water when it barks when you are not at home. It worked for me.

According to a Law Enforcement Officer of the City of Cape Town, the following steps may be taken once they receive a complaint. (The steps/by-laws can differ from district to distict.

  • They will visit the ‘offending’ dog’s owners and give a written warning – at this point the complainant can stay anonymous.
  • Usually after a reasonable amount of time; and according to them this is about 10 -14 days; if the barking still persists, a fine of +/- R250.00 is issued. (Fines are variable.) At this stage you may be asked to submit an affidavit.
  • This fine can either be paid or disputed in the court. If owner pays the fine, they admit guilt. If the fine is not paid and the owners do not appear in court to dispute the complaint, summons will be issued against the owner.
  • If the owner paid the first fine and the barking persists and you wish to take the matter further, you will have to submit another affidavit to Law Enforcement. The dog-owner will then receive a second fine of +/- R500.00, which again can be paid or disputed in court. (Once you have written the affidavit you loose your anonymity; as your affidavit may be used in court.
  • If the problem still persists after the second fine, the owners and complainant are summons to court. It is then up to the Magistrate to decide if the dog needs to be removed from the home or what other steps should be taken.

Although procedures can vary from district to district, it remains an unpleasant and disruptive process for all involved. Nobody likes to take time out of their already busy day to go to court. Rather try and settle matters amicably. It is difficult, but possible.