Easily readable version of the City of Cape Town Draft Animal Keeping By-law 2026

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

City of Cape Town Draft Animal Keeping By-law 2026

Sun, 27 September 2026

Below is a more easily readable version of the City of Cape Town's controversial 50 page Draft Animal Keeping By-law published for public comment until 29 September 2026.

Comments and submissions should be emailed to animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za

Download the full draft by-law (PDF)

CONTENTS

1. Definitions

CHAPTER 1 – General Provisions

2. Keeping of dogs

3. Keeping of cats

4. Permits to keep more dogs and cats than the prescribed number

5. Regulation of Breeding

6. Animals shall not be a source of danger

7. Fighting or Hunting with Animals

8. Unauthorised Fireworks and prevention of animal cruelty

9. Designation of public places as free-running, on leash or off-limits

10. Removal of excrement

11. Displaying or exhibiting of an animal for show or financial gain

12. Animals offered for sale

13. Control over animals

14. Control of working animals

15. Working Equine

16. Working Dogs

17. Seizure, impounding and destroying of Working Animals

18. Stray Animals

19. Seizure and removal of an animal or item

CHAPTER 2 – Keeping of Animals

20. Welfare facilities for the care and accommodation of animals

21. Establishment of a pound and appointment of pound master

22. Duties of pound master

23. Nuisance

24. Permits

25. Keeping of dangerous animals

26. Keeping and feeding of wild animals

27. Requirements for Keeping of Animals On Premises

28. General hygiene requirements for keeping of animals and poultry

29. Presumption of ownership

30. Standards and Requirements for Pet Parlours, Pet Shops, Pet Day Care Facilities, and Pet Hotels

31. Standards and Requirements for to operate a commercial kennel or cattery that offers temporary overnight accommodation for dogs and cats away from their primary residence.

32. Standards and requirements for keeping of large and small livestock

33. Standards and requirements for keeping poultry

34. Standards and requirements for keeping birds

35. Standards and requirements for keeping rabbits

36. Keeping and slaughtering of animals for religious, cultural, ceremonial and own consumption purposes

37. Drainage

CHAPTER 3 – Bee Keeping

38. Keeping of bees

CHAPTER 4 – Enforcement

39. Offences and penalties

40. Enforcement and Related Powers of Authorised Officials

41. Search, seizure and entry of premises

42. Search and Seizure without a warrant

43. Indemnity

44. Appeal