Its wonderful to know that there are Local Governments in South Africa that make an effort to lead the way.  The City of Cape Town have recognised the historically gigantic problem of Animal Welfare and have taken on the initiative to become more involved and have committed to provide much needed assistance. 

              "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Our nation is indeed heading in the right direction.  Herewith a media release with regards to a draft bill to take their commitment to the next level. 

They are asking for input and guidance from the general public with regards to providing a budget to the Animal Welfare Industry for matters such as pet sterilisation, animal control, humane euthinasia guidelines, working animals, companion animals, animal trading etc. with the aim to review the status every 3 years.  This is your opportunity to get involved should you wish to do so.

We will follow the progress and keep you informed.

CITY OF CAPE TOWN
6 SEPTEMBER 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

City calls for public comment on its draft Animal Welfare Policy

The City’s draft Animal Welfare Policy opens for public comment next week. Residents are encouraged to provide input into the City’s efforts to promote animal care. Read more below:

The City of Cape Town has developed a draft Animal Welfare Policy to promote the welfare of animals and provide the framework for the City’s approach to understanding and dealing with domestic companion animals. It will focus primarily on the welfare of domestic companion animals and working equines (e.g. cart-horses).

This follows a workshop with interested parties facilitated by the City’s Health Portfolio Committee in May 2011. The presentations and contributions at this workshop served as the basic framework for the draft Animal Welfare Policy. In January 2012, the Western Cape Government hosted an Animal Welfare Summit, followed by a further workshop in March 2012 – both of which provided further direction for the policy.

The finalised draft will undergo a public participation process from 9 September to 11 October 2013 during which stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to provide their comments. The draft policy will be made available for viewing at the City’s libraries and Subcouncil offices and electronic copies will be available on the City’s website, at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay. Comments can be submitted via email to Animalwelfare@capetown.gov.za.

Two public sessions where oral representations will be heard are scheduled for 14:00 and 17:30 on 26 September 2013 at the Council Chambers, 44 Wale Street, Cape Town. Residents should please register to attend either of these sessions by sending a request via email to animalwelfare@capetown.gov.za.

This policy is supported by the legislation that the City is mandated to implement and entitled to enforce, i.e. the City’s Animal By-law which regulates the management of animals, including dogs, cats and working equines. This is important in terms of ensuring public health and safety. However, the by-law does not clearly articulate the City’s approach to the care and welfare of animals. In the absence of a policy, there is a lack of clarity on the roles and responsibilities between and within government for promoting animal care. The City therefore identified the need for a policy, as part of its commitment to creating a Caring City.

Animal rights need to be balanced with the potential effect that animals may have on humans. The City has the difficult task of considering any health, nuisance, economic, tourism, and safety risks and ensuring that it has legislation and policies in place to protect residents and animals.

End

Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries: Councillor Lungiswa James, Mayoral Committee Member for Health, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 1307 or Cell: 083 398 5371, Email: lungiswa.james@capetown.gov.za