This bylaw will affect all pet owners, whether your pet is a thoroughbred or of somewhat suspect origin.

Pet owners will especially be affected by three aspects, namely number of pets per property, that beloved (or hated?) poop scoop to make up for your dog’s lack of public toilet manners and the identification of all cats and dogs.

The bylaw proposes that the number of pets per property be limited. As it is still in draft form, the number has not yet been finalised, says Councillor JP Smith, Chairperson: Safety Portfolio Committee, but the most likely number seems to be two (dogs and cats) per residential property.

Residential owners who have, up till now, had more pets will not be forced to get rid of them, but would need to apply for a permit to keep that extra four-legged friend. Such an application would need to include the neighbours’ permission and a fee is payable (amount not yet specified). An inspection will then be done to ensure that the specific erf is suitable for the extra pet(s), Smith explained.

Faeces in public is another matter of concern. If the bylaw is passed, owners taking their dogs for a walk would need to carry a poop scoop with them or some sort of container to ensure that they will pick up their loyal friend’s gifts to the earth. “It can be any kind of container,” Smith says. “Failure to have such a bag with you is also an offense.” This bylaw will not apply to persons assisted by a guide dog.

The identification of pets is also on the cards. The bylaw proposes that all dogs and cats should be collared and tagged so that its owner could be located if needed. Otherwise the animal, found wandering about without identification, may be impounded.

If your cat is an ardent tree climber or an escape artist, you need not despair.

Instead of worrying about find?ing your feline friend dangling by its collar on a branch, or having to hunt for that collar after his escape act, you could have your cat microchipped. The same option applies to dog owners.

An aspect not covered by the bylaw is the forced sterilisation of pets (especially cats).

The growing problem of aban?doned and unsterilised pets are a major concern for animal welfare organisations.

But the bylaw does allow the authorities to intervene in cases of animal hoarding syndrome – people collecting a large number of animals, usually strays, on their property.

“The new bylaw will allow us to access (private) property if we think it is necessary. We would have the right to go and sterilise animals when we think it is necessary,” Smith said.

Asked about the public participation process, Mr Charles Cooper, media spokesperson for the City of Cape Town, said the draft bylaw is very much in its early stages and the public participation process has not been finalised.

Copies of the bylaw in its current form can be obtained by e-mailing Tessa Williams of the Public Participation Unit at l.uthesia.williams@capetown.gov.za

.Any comments? SMS your opin?ion to 32516. (R1 per SMS.) Start with the word ‘law’, followed by your name and the comment.

. What does microchipping entail? See page 10..