A draft Animal Welfare Policy has opened for public comment and those who would like to provide input on the City of Cape Town’s efforts to promote animal care have until 11 October 2013 to do so.
The policy aims 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).
The finalised draft will undergo a public participation process until 11 October 2013 during which stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to provide their comments.
The draft policy is available for viewing at the City’s libraries and subcouncil offices and electronic copies are available 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 who would like to attend either of the sessions should register by sending an e-mail request to Animalwelfare@capetown.gov.za.
The draft Animal Welfare 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. However, 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 the government for promoting animal care.
Animal rights need to be balanced with the potential effect that animals may have on humans. The City needs to consider health, nuisance, economic, tourism, and safety risks, as well as ensure that it has legislation and policies in place to protect residents and animals. This is important in terms of ensuring public health and safety.
The City’s Health Portfolio Committee held a workshop in May 2011 with interested parties, and the presentations and contributions made served as the basic framework for the draft Animal Welfare Policy.
