The City of Cape Town Is inviting public comment on proposed amendments to its Animal Keeping Bylaw. The changes would ban wild and exotic animals in circuses, authorise law enforcement officers to seize animals kept in contravention of the bylaw, and introduce stricter regulations for working animals.

During the last financial year, the City’s Animal Control Unit responded to 9 499 calls, with the most falling into the following categories:

• Animals on the roadway: 672
• Stray livestock: 497
• Stray dogs: 4 431
• Dogs off leash: 107
• Dangerous or vicious dogs: 2 839
• Neglect, cruelty or injury to animals: 325
• Information calls: 628

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“There is no doubt that Cape Town is a caring city as witnessed by the thousands of complaints we receive annually about animal abuse, cruelty, neglect and genuine concern,” said chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee Mzwakhe Nqavashe.

“The bylaw aims to help protect public health and safety by setting out the rules for vaccination, quarantine and the treatment of animals.

“It also includes the regulating of public spaces, such as animals on leashes to keep residents safe. How we treat our most vulnerable furry, and non-furry friends, is a reflection of our values,” said Nqavashe.

Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said the City takes the welfare of all our residents seriously, including the four-footed, furry and feathered ones.

“Acting or simply removing an animal can be a lengthy process, especially as the City is limited in when and how we can act. The amendments aim to extend our reach and strengthen our enforcement. By doing so, we are creating a better life for the many animals in the city,” said Smith.

Proposed amendments

The proposed amendments include:

• A prohibition on the use of animals for hunting
• A prohibition on the use of wild and exotic animals in circuses
• A prohibition on the use and sale of any adhesive or glue trap, board or other adhesive trapping device
• Stronger regulation of working animals such as security dogs and cart horses, including a ban on working in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and a mandatory rest break at least every hour with access to drinking water
• Reduced pound periods, from 10 days to seven days for small animals and from 30 days to 21 days for large animals
• Duties of a pound master
• A mediation mechanism for nuisance animal disputes
• Greater clarity around permits and the keeping of dangerous animals
• A prohibition on interfering with, harassing or disturbing wild animals
• Updated standards for keeping animals, operating commercial kennels or catteries, and keeping livestock, poultry, birds and rabbits
• Updates to the keeping of bees

The draft bylaw is available for viewing at any subcouncil office and City library, and online at capetown.gov.za.

The City’s Public Participation Unit will assist people who cannot read or write, people living with disabilities and people from disadvantaged groups to have their comments recorded and submitted.

Comments, input or recommendations may be submitted by e-mail to animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za, online via the City’s website, or in writing to Llewellyn Grove, Law Enforcement Department, City of Cape Town, 1st Floor, Omniforum Building, 94 Van Riebeek Street, Kuils River, 7590.

Contact Llewellyn Grove at animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za or Anathi Dywili on 021 400 9825 or anathi.dywili@capetown.gov.za for more information.

The public comment period closes on 29 September 2026.

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