There seems to be a great deal of confusion around this by-law, who drafted it and why, and what the process of public participation involves.

By-laws in the City arise out of policy discussions in multi-party portfolio committees. The mayor has nothing to do with their formulation until the by-law reaches the Mayoral Committee and full council after the public participation process.

The City of Cape Town is an amalgamation of 7 former separate local authorities, each of which had its own Animal By-Law. There were also still three animal by-laws from the former municipal councils dating back to 1964. It is impossible to administer 10 different by-laws across the City.

As a result, there must be one consolidated by-law. This by-law is the first draft to achieve this outcome. The proposed limit on the number of pets per property is also nothing new.

Each of the previous by-laws limited the number of dogs and cats per property (in common with similar legislation across the world). Nine of the existing by-laws set the limit of dogs and cats per property at two of each.

The portfolio committee (with the full support of all parties), proposed the “two-dogs-two-cats” limitation for the new draft by-law. The proposed limit is nothing new.

There is no truth in the rumours that people will be required to “put down” their pets. People will be able to apply for a permit to do so.

If they meet the criteria, designed in part for the welfare of the animals, permits will be issued.

The public participation phase began in June already and four months of public input has been allowed in addition to a workshop through the City Wide Forum and the e-mailing of the by-law to over 70 animal welfare organisations and animal activists who had contacted the City before then indicating their interest in the matter.

This is in addition to numerous press releases and newspaper ads. The by-law was also referred to over 1 000 community organisations through all the ward forums as well as to the sub-councils for comment. For members of the public who would like to submit comment, a copy of the draft bylaw is available on the City’s website at the following address:http//www.capetown.gov.za/en/ByLaws/Pages/Draft_by-laws.aspx , and will be available in hard copy at city libraries and sub-council offices.

The public can submit their comments or proposed amendments to the draft by-law by writing to Mr Richard Bosman at Private Bag X4, Parow, 7499 or via email to Richard.Bosman@capetown.gov.za by 30 October 2008.

ROBERET MACDONALD