Cape Town dog owners face fines for not leashing their pets

Are you aware that not knowing the animal laws can cost you R1 000 as dog owner? Here’s all that you need to know.

Cape Town dog owners face fines for not leashing their pets

For most people pets, especially dogs, can mean more to them than their fellow humans. It’s therefore important to keep your dog – and yourself – protected. You can do this by being informed about the animal laws that have been put in place where you live.

Dogs have become family, guides, protectors, helpers and buddies for many. The City of Cape Town has put certain policies and by-laws in place like the Coastal By-law, 2020.

One of their regulations state that dog owners can receive a fine if they walk their fury companions at certain beaches without a leash. The implementation of these regulations, especially during the busy festive season, becomes paramount. This is to ensure the safety of the people and canines. Here’s what you need to know about these laws.

MORE ON THE R1 000 FINE FOR WALKING DOGS WITHOUT A LEASH

The Daily Voice reported on 11 November 2024 that the City of Cape Town confirmed that a fine of R1 000 has been put in place. This amount would be paid by dog owners who walk their pets along Sea Point Promenade without a leash. According to the publication, this area is the dog owners’ most popular place for walks with their canines.

This regulation extends to other beaches in the city. An article by IOL on 23 April 2024 revealed that many dog owners were not adhering to the city’s by-laws. The publication said owners disobeyed regulations and refused to remove their dogs when instructed to. The city’s law enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, told IOL:

“The rules are different from area to area on beaches, so it is important that people familiarise themselves with the rules for each beach or area.”

Dogs
These and other animal laws have been put in place in the City of Cape Town. Image: Pexels.

SOME OF THE AREAS DESIGNATED FOR DOGS

Dyason further explained that the City will always have designated areas where dogs are allowed or can be without a leash. Some of these areas and beaches include Sunset Beach, Milton Beach and Mouille Point. At the main beach in Gordon’s Bay, dogs can roam freely from the north of the parking area to the Fleur Park boundary.

However, no dogs are allowed at Big Bay, Blaauwberg and Gordon’s Bay main beach. Usually, dogs are allowed at most beaches. This is as long as owners adhere to the rules that have been put in place for those particular beaches in those cities. This is for the safety of the public and the owner’s four-legged friends.

DO YOU HAVE A FURY FRIEND YOU ENJOY GOING ON WALKS BY THE BEACH WITH?

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