Cape Town draft animal by-law targets strays, nuisance animals and attacks
Cape Town residents have until 29 September 2026 to comment on a draft Animal Keeping By-law covering pets, stray and nuisance animals, dog attacks, livestock, poultry, bees, permits and City pounds.
The City of Cape Town is set to revise its animal keeping regulations, with a new draft targeting strays, nuisance animals, and dogs involved in vicious attacks. The draft Animal Keeping By-law opened for public comment on August 28, 2026, and residents have until September 29 to provide their input. The proposed rules cover various aspects of animal ownership and care, from permits for keeping animals and poultry on non-agricultural properties to procedures for impounding animals.
The City aims to establish clear responsibilities for pet owners, animal keepers, and residents, as well as establish processes for addressing animal-related issues. The existing Animal Keeping By-law from 2021 regulated the number of pets that residents could keep and the conditions under which animals could be kept. The new draft will also address the handling of impounded animals and the procedures followed at City pounds.
The revised rules can impact all residents, especially those residing in areas with roaming dogs or nuisance animals. Comments on the draft can be submitted online, via email, or as written submissions at designated City offices. The public participation period ends on September 29, 2026, after which the draft will proceed through the City's approval process.
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