What is proposed and how to comment by 29 September

Cape Town’s proposed amendments to its Animal Keeping By-law are open for public comment until 29 September (Daily Maverick, 2026; IOL, 2026). The draft prompted an uproar over what it might mean for ordinary pet owners.

What is proposed

Daily Maverick reports that the draft would require a permit for anyone keeping a dog or cat older than six months, with dog applications needing a rabies certificate and a fee. It sets limits on numbers: two dogs in a dwelling unit, three at a dwelling house, four at a house on an erf larger than 600 square metres and six on agricultural property, with four cats at residential premises. It also reports that dogs and cats over six months would have to be sterilised unless permission is granted, and that microchipping and 24-hour scanning of strays would be required (Daily Maverick, 2026).

IOL’s summary adds that the amendments cover dangerous dogs, a ban on off-leash animals in public spaces, temperature and rest-break rules for security dogs, standards for commercial catteries, a ban on glue traps, seizure powers for law enforcement and shorter pound periods (IOL, 2026).

What the City says

Alderman JP Smith told Daily Maverick that “the City has no intention of gathering any kind of dog licence or permit”, and that permits would apply only to breeders and to people keeping more animals than the prescribed numbers. He acknowledged that poor wording had caused confusion and asked for the word “unsterilised” to be added before adoption (Daily Maverick, 2026).

Concerns raised

Critics point to the cost of sterilisation for low-income owners, unclear rules on how foster animals count towards limits, a possible requirement for written support from neighbours, enforcement powers without warrants, and a definition of strays that could catch free-roaming owned cats. They also say “dispose of” is not defined in humane terms (Daily Maverick, 2026).

How to comment

Comment is open until 29 September through the City of Cape Town’s public participation portal for the draft Animal Keeping By-law. Owners, rescues and welfare organisations affected by the limits or the sterilisation provisions may wish to read the draft itself before submitting.

References

• Daily Maverick (2026) “We’re not coming for your dogs and cats”, says City over pet licensing uproar, 9 September.
• IOL (2026) Have your say on proposed amendments to the Cape Town’s animal keeping by-law, 8 September.