PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
City of Cape Town Draft Animal Keeping By-law
Sun, 27 September 2026
This page is part of a more easily readable version of the controversial Draft Animal Keeping By-law published for public comment until 29 September 2026. There are links below to the other 44 sections.
Comments and submissions should be emailed to animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za
Download the full draft by-law (PDF)
See next section
9. Designation of public places as free-running, on leash or off-limits
SECTION 8
8. Unauthorised Fireworks and prevention of animal cruelty

(1) No person may intentionally or negligently terrify, distress or harm any animal with fireworks or by any other means.
See next section
9. Designation of public places as free-running, on leash or off-limits
Download the full draft by-law (PDF)
Comments and submissions should be emailed to animal.bylaw@capetown.gov.za
Other sections
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
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