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Here’s how many pets you may have without breaking the law

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Here’s how many pets you may have without breaking the law

Lockdown has shifted many buyers’ preferences, with many seeking more space and moving to homes further removed from city centres in scenic parts of the country.

For many, this means the opportunity to own pets has finally arrived.

Before homeowners go ahead and purchase pets, there are certain laws of which they ought to be aware.

According to the Animal Protection Act of 1962, anyone who does not prescribe to the regulations set out by the Act and its by-laws may receive a penalty of up to a fine of R4 000, and could even face imprisonment for a period of 12 months.

Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, advised that each provincial municipality stipulates its own regulations around pet ownership, so it is important to know the legal requirements of pet ownership in your city before you bring a pet into your home.

Across all regions in South Africa, animal cruelty in terms of housing any animal is defined by the Act as: “Affording inadequate shelter, light or ventilation in which such animal is excessively exposed to heat, cold, weather, sun, rain, dust, exhaust gases or noxious fumes.”

The Act also specifies that making adequate provision for suitable food, potable water and rest for the animal is a minimum requirement for pet ownership.

It explicitly disallows an animal to be confined by chains, tethers or secures unnecessarily or in such a manner as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering in such a way that is described as cruelty.

He explained for future pet owners, this means if the pet sleeps outside, then the homeowner needs to provide adequate shelter for it.

“Most kennels do not offer great protection against the elements. Building an awning and tucking the kennel into a corner underneath the roof is a great way to add an extra layer of protection against rain, wind and sunshine. As a bonus, the addition can also add value onto your home.”

Goslett added the act also prevents homeowners from keeping a pet tied up to a tree or any other tether for extended periods of time.

“When entertaining guests outside, it is preferable to install a fence around a part of the garden that will give your pet enough space in which to run around outside while you spend time with your guests.”

In terms of how many pets a homeowner may have, each region will have their own by-laws around this.

Most subscribe to these restrictions: for dogs over six months old, a maximum of two dogs are allowed to be kept in or at a dwelling unit (a sectional title); three dogs are allowed to be kept in or at a dwelling house (a freestanding property); four dogs are allowed to be kept in or at a large dwelling house (a property on a plot exceeding 600m2); and six dogs are allowed to be kept on an agricultural property. For cats, no more than four can be kept on any residential property, and no more than six can be kept on an agricultural property.

In the interest of public health and safety, if you want to keep a pet other than the usual suspects (cats, dogs, fish, birds, rodents), then you will need to receive a permit by the relevant city council before you are allowed to keep it in a residential area.

“Homeowners need to make every effort to abide by the laws set out by their local municipality.

Many body corporates rule against pet ownership in residential estates and complexes, which makes freehold homes often more desirable for pet-lovers. Yet, even in a freehold property, if a neighbour lays a complaint against you, it is best to be certain you have abided by every legal requirement,” Adrian concluded.

Source: Benoni City Times

Doggy diets: Working from home means pets are being fed more

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Working from home means pets are being fed more

Brad Mitchell said it was easier to notice during lockdown when Chrissy didn’t have food so she was fed more. Image: Brad Mitchell

For Brad Mitchell, being at home during the country’s coronavirus lockdown meant he noticed his cat’s food bowl was empty.

As a result, Chrissy was fed more.

Mitchell said Chrissy used to be fed twice daily when her owners were working from  offices.

“I think we’re more aware of when she’s hungry or when her bowl is empty because we are at home. During the lockdown, it was easier to notice when she didn’t have food so she was fed more,” he said.

Chrissy’s story is not unique.

A recent survey by Hill’s Pet Nutrition found that Covid-19 had a profound effects on pets by fuelling obesity.

Hill’s pet behaviour expert Marycke Ackhurst said 50% of pets are overweight, and it was alarming that 90% of pet parents didn’t realise this.

Recent research undertaken in the US revealed that more than 71% of pet professionals said the pandemic has affected the way pets were eating. More than 30% of pet parents surveyed who have overweight pets said their pets had become overweight since the start of the pandemic.

Monalisa Senne, an owner of three dogs, said she has noticed two of the dogs gained weight during the lockdown.

“I have had the two for a year and they have gained a lot of weight. I didn’t understand why. I used to walk my dogs but during the lockdown it didn’t happen. We could no longer walk so when they gained weight I thought it was because of that,” said Senne.

The 28-year-old said she has been feeding her dogs the same amount of food they had  been eating before lockdown.

“I won’t say I have been feeding them extra. I have fed them the same way for years. I didn’t think it was something I should worry about. I thought it was because they were happy with me at home,” she said.

Cath Jenkin, Durban-based writer and stay at home dog mom, said: “Yoda has deeply enjoyed the experience of having his humans at home 24/7 and has relished the experience of regular snacks. Possibly a little too much, so it’s back to more walks with his mom and dad soon.”

“On ‘love your pet day’, celebrated on February 20, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is drawing attention to pet obesity and that, contrary to popular belief, your pet’s love for you is not associated with food,” said Ackhurst.

She said pet parents get an emotional boost when feeding or giving treats to their pets.

“Having an emotional relationship with food can both create the problem of pet obesity and ultimately solve it by changing what’s in their bowl. One of the easiest steps is to start with better nutrition and to be more aware of your feeding habits and the effect these have on your pet,” said Ackhurst.

The survey showed 49% of pet parents said they would be willing to go on a diet to help their pet lose weight, while 31% said they would be willing to stop checking their social media for a month to help their pet lose weight.

Vets advise pet parents of the following to help manage their pet’s weight:

  • 92% say giving fewer treats will help dogs and cats lose weight;
  • 91% say exercise is an important element; and
  • 49% agree with pet parents that keeping their pets at a healthy weight during the pandemic is harder than before.

Source: TimesLIVE

Pet abandonment skyrockets amid lockdown Level 3

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Pet abandonment skyrockets amid lockdown Level 3

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha has recorded a sharp increase in dog abandonments since the implementation of lockdown level 3. The clinic say this is an unusual increase.

“During lockdown we barely had any pet handovers. We found this quite strange. Due to the economic state and people losing their jobs, we were expecting increased handovers during this time. We believed the decrease in handovers was due to people being at home more and having time to bond with their pets,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Manager. “However, as soon as lockdown level 3 came into effect, the pets started pouring in. We are not sure what changed. We can only think that the economic impact has now taken a great toll, forcing people to handover their animals as they can no longer look after them.”

Within the last week, the clinic received many mommy dogs with multiple puppies and many others, which has brought the shelter facility to capacity. The situation is under even more strain following the past weekend’s severe weather, which flooded their shelter unit.

“When it rains it pours in Khayelitsha. Our shelter and office flooded. Our homeless dogs were all moved into our hospital facility until the water dries up. This, however, puts strain on our hospital space as we are full to the brim with patients,” says du Plessis.

The clinic sees a boost in pet patients during the wintertime due to hypothermia and broken bones from reckless drivers knocking dogs over in bad weather.

“Our expenses always increase in winter – we need to have lights on longer, heaters on to keep the pets warm and more pet patients, but with the unexpected abandonments, it is even higher.”

It costs the clinic around R1500 to care for an abandoned pet in its first month. Many stay much longer than this.

The animal clinic is calling on the public to assist during this time. If you are able to help care for the abandoned pets, please make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Standard Bank, Account number: 075595710, Branch: Rondebosch, Branch Code: 025009, Savings account, Reference: Winter +Your Name.

The clinic has also asked people to open their homes to foster animals. This will open space in their shelter facility to take in more animals in need instead of directing them to other animal welfare organisations.

To get in touch please contact info@mdzananda.co.za or visit www.mdzananda.co.za

Published by Kirsten Jacobs 
Source: cape{town}etc

‘Why is it an essential service?’: Lockdown has not stopped slaughter of endangered sharks

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Demersal shark longliners offer few jobs, harm biodiversity

Lockdown has not stopped slaughter of endangered sharks

An endangered hammerhead shark, washed up in the wake of shark longline fishing off the Cape south coast l Image: Supplied

The fishing of hundreds of sharks a day is being allowed off Cape shores during lockdown, even though the industry provides relatively few jobs, harms marine biodiversity and offers no food security.

“There is scientific data that shows demersal shark longlining is not sustainable. It is not properly enforced but it is taking place under lockdown,” says marine biologist Dr Enrico Gennari.

“Why is it an essential service?” asks Gennari, the co-founder of Oceans Research Institute in Mossel Bay.

“At most there are about 250 people employed by them. The construction industry employs thousands of people, but they are not allowed to work.”

The demersal shark longline fishery consists of six vessels and each operator employs about 40 workers, said Zolile Nqayi, communications director for the environment, forestry and fisheries department, on Friday.

It plays a negligible role in commercial fishing, which employs about 28,000 people.

White shark expert and naturalist Chris Fallows says: “It is a disgrace that a fishery which is, according to scientific evidence, unsustainably killing already collapsed shark stocks, is allowed to continue. When this is done under the banner of an essential service it becomes a tragedy.”

Lockdown has not stopped slaughter of endangered sharks

A de-finned bronze whaler female with two aborted pups miscarried on the beach as she could not swim and was washed aground, on the Cape south coast, after shark longliners were in the area. l Image: Supplied

The demersal (the term for creatures living close to the seabed) shark longline industry exports its catch to Australia, where it is sold as “flake and chips”.

Sharks mature and reproduce slowly, and the populations of the smoothhound and soupfin sharks legally targeted by longliners have dropped by more than 40% since longlining was permitted in 1991.

Gennari says: “Tourism is under strain now and we need to preserve shark and whale tourism for the local and international market.”

Under lockdown, we can’t attend to a whale if it gets entangled in fishing lines. That is not considered essential.”

The Port Elizabeth-based shark longlining boat, the White Rose, can keep fishing under lockdown even though a criminal case against it looms for allegedly fishing the De Hoop Marine Protected Area, according to the department.

The court date has been postponed for three months, after lockdown regulations -extending the window in which the White Rose can operate.

Fallows, who is fighting to stop the extinction of sharks, says the longliners are “vacuuming up thousands” of these predators on each trip.

Local fishermen have been up in arms about the impact of longlining on their jobs, says Wilfred Chivell, a great white shark cage-dive operator in Gansbaai.

A live shark provides five times more jobs than a dead one, he said.

The renewal of licences for demersal shark longline fishing forms is part of the fishing rights allocation process (FRAP 2021), for which the extended deadline is December 31 2021.

By Claire Keeton
Source: www.timeslive.co.za

Level 4 lockdown: Can you adopt an animal yet?

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Potential adopters are being turned away from animal organisations who are unsure whether they can adopt animals or not.

Level 4 lockdown: Can you adopt an animal yet?

Until the government allows it, adoption of animals is not permitted.

There is much confusion among animal welfare groups as to whether adoption is permitted under Level 4 restrictions.

The Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa has affected us all. Now imagine knowing there are people out there wanting to give you a second chance but you can’t go to your new forever home? This is the life of thousands of animals in shelters across the nation.

Frustration grows as eager community members are dumbfounded as to why animal adoptions are not allowed. Societies have been inundated with adoption requests leaving many unanswered questions and irate potential adopters. These are unique circumstances as many would-be adopters have much more valuable time on their hands to integrate a new furry member to their family.

Level 4 lockdown: Can you adopt an animal yet?

Shelter animals across South Africa plead to be adopted. Photo: File

 

Under Level 4 Covid-19 restrictions it is unclear whether animal adoption is permitted. According to Lungi Mtshali from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), adoptions of animals is not permitted as animal adoption is not an essential service.

“If it has not been mentioned in the gazette, then it is not allowed. As you can imagine, we cannot list every action that is not allowed, the list would be too long,” said Mtshali.

Read the full gazetted document here.

Further questions have been sent to COGTA in regards to animal adoptions such as:

  • Why the adoption of animals has not been permitted?
  • When or which level will the adoption of animals be allowed?
  • If animal adoption organisations follow strict social distancing and sanitation protocols, would adoptions then be permitted?

The National Councils of SPCAs (NSPCA) sent a request to the Covid-19 Nerve Centre Committee on behalf of all SPCAs and animal welfare organisations around South Africa, asking for their permission to allow adoptions to re-open under the Level 4 restriction. To date, the NSPCA has not received a response.

The concerns surrounding adoptions are that access to the SPCAs is strictly restricted – this is for the health and safety of the staff members who are vital for their community’s animals’ welfare, as well as the moral health of society, as well as the health and safety of members of the public.

A statement by the NSPCA said, “We would like to assure the public that rehoming animals is important to the SPCA Movement, however, we are obligated to adhere to any law or regulation set out by the South African Government.

Once adoptions are permitted, NSPCA’s public relations officer Meg Wilson said, “Pre-home inspections are a legal requirement for SPCAs to undertake – these would need to be undertaken with great care, ensuring that the correct PPE is worn, that the inspector and respective home follows social distancing protocols and sanitation.”

Source: Rosebank Killarney Gazette (Caxton Local Media)

Covid-19: Support local animal shelters during the lockdown

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FOURWAYS – Although it’s the humans in lockdown, dogs and cats are also in need during this difficult time. Here is how three Fourways-based shelters are dealing with the lockdown and how you can help.

Covid-19: Support local animal shelters during the lockdown

Shelters, like the 4Paws Animal Shelter in Riversands run by Tammy Knepscheld, have been deeply impacted by the lockdown and need support from the public. Photo: Robyn Kirk

As nearly 60 million South Africans bunker down as much as possible during a national lockdown in order to fight the spread of Covid-19, thousands of animals in shelters and rescues are also being affected.

The Fourways Review reached out to three locally-based animal shelters to find out what measures they have put in place for the lockdown, how things are going and how the public can help without leaving their homes. The three shelters are Ark Animal Centre, 4Paws Animal Shelter and the Pet Empowerment in the Townships (Pets).

Ark Animal Centre

The Ark Animal Centre in Chartwell mostly focuses its work on helping pregnant dogs and puppies get the care they need, although it also cares for adult dogs.

Candice Eilertsen of the shelter spoke to the Fourways Review, “The gates to Ark have been locked for the duration of the lockdown and we also have a sign outside explaining that we can’t accept visitors. “We’re very lucky because all the dogs [in our care] who are able to be fostered out have been fostered out – the only animals we’re still caring for at the shelter are those who are injured, pregnant dogs and moms and puppies that can’t be fostered yet.

“I’m not actually sure how we’ll get through the lockdown, especially if it lasts longer than the three weeks that were planned. But everyone is struggling right now, so we can’t ask others to support us if they can barely support themselves.

“For those who can, please give what you can, but we understand it’s difficult for everyone right now.”

She added that while the main phone lines to the shelter will not be answered during this time, members of the public can still reach out via social media or via email to find out more information about potential dogs for adoption. “I’d also recommend that pet owners find out which vets in their area will still be operating in case there is an emergency.”

Details: www.arkanimalcentre.co.za; the Ark Facebook page.

Covid-19: Support local animal shelters during the lockdown

The dogs and cats of 4Paws still need donations from the public to survive. Photo: Robyn Kirk

4Paws

Located in the Riversands area, 4Paws Animal Shelter cares for about 300 dogs and cats in need. Tammy Knepscheld, who runs the organisation, explained how 4Paws will be operating during the 21-days.

“We’ll be running on ghost staff. One person every day will come in to check in and care for the dogs, a second person will be in charge of the cats and I will be in to oversee things and to make sure that any animals that need medical care will get help,” she said. “We don’t want people coming through at all, so no volunteers until the lockdown ends and we won’t be adopting out any animals.

“Although, if anyone is interested in adopting once lockdown ends, they are welcome to contact us and we can send photos of the animals available.”

The shelter, unfortunately, does not have enough food or funding to survive the lockdown and are in desperate need of support from the public.

You can make a donation using the banking details on their website, add them as a beneficiary on your MySchool card or SMS the word ‘paws’ to 40707 to donate R20. “Please stay safe,” Knepscheld advised the public.

Details: www4ourpaws.org.za; tammy@4ourpaws.org.za; 083 377 3219.

Pets

The Pets non-profit organisation is slightly different from the others on this list in that it has no formal premises, but instead is a collection of volunteers who use a network of foster homes to care for dogs and cats in need from townships around Gauteng.

Nicole Badenhorst of the organisation said, “We’ve decided that fostering out our animals for only a few weeks is too unsettling for the animals, so we haven’t done that unless people can commit to foster continuously.

“Fortunately, we have enough food, but we still have a lot of money to pay in vet bills, and that may increase if there’s an emergency during lockdown, so anyone who can donate financially is urged to get in contact to help.

“If you see any of our animals [on the website or social media] that you’d like to adopt after lockdown ends, please get hold of us and we can send you photos of them. People who want to foster [when restrictions are lifted] are also welcome to be in touch, but again, please only do so if you can really commit as these animals have already been through so much.”

Details: www.petsjhb.org.za

Source: Fourways Review

Pet welfare during Covid-19

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JOBURG – The South African Veterinary Association shares tips on on pet health during the lockdown.

Pet welfare during Covid-19

Here are some guidelines to follow when thinking of taking your pets to the vet l Photo: Pixabay

Veterinarians, being the custodians of animal health and welfare in South Africa, have been designated as essential service providers.

The South African Veterinary Association has provided guidelines for veterinarians, assisting them in determining which services have been deemed necessary.

If animal owners are concerned about the health of their animals, it is important to first call the veterinary clinic to discuss the concern and if deemed necessary by the consulting veterinarian to take the animal to the clinic, maintaining social distancing at all times. Both animal and owner welfare (i.e. human-animal bond) play an important part in these uncertain times, particularly as companion animals may be a critical support mechanism to many people.

Using the guidelines below, veterinarians will guide their clients on when and how they will consult.

Wellness visits

Postpone

Food sales

Continue but maintain social distancing if purchasing directly from your preferred veterinary clinic or make use of online delivery service. Should you need to visit your veterinary clinic, disinfect packaging with a sanitiser when you have arrived back at home, and wash your hands for 20 seconds thereafter.

Medication refills

Continue but maintain social distancing if purchasing directly from your preferred veterinary clinic or make use of online delivery service. Should you need to visit your veterinary clinic, disinfect packaging with a sanitiser when you have arrived back at home, and wash your hands for 20 seconds thereafter.

Rabies vaccination

Routine vaccinations (including previously unvaccinated animals) can be reasonably postponed if the owner can manage the animal in such a way to minimise the risk of exposure until your animal can be vaccinated.

Other vaccinations

If deemed necessary, have your veterinary clinic administer boosters of vaccine series based on your animal’s condition and circumstances (e.g. risk of exposure), alternatively postpone other vaccinations if the risk of exposure can be managed in the interim.

Flea/tick preventives

Maintain social distancing if collecting from your veterinary clinic or arrange with your clinic if they offer the option for drop-off or delivery. If you are a new client/patient at your veterinary clinic, establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship via telehealth (distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies).

Life-threatening conditions

If your animal suffers from a life-threatening condition and you are both from a low-risk household, manage using social distancing when visiting your veterinary clinic. With cases from high-risk households, consult your veterinary clinic to discuss alternative options.

Management of painful conditions

Could be managed by telemedicine (this allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in remote locations using telecommunications technology, it also allows patients in remote locations to access medical expertise quickly, and without travel) when possible. If an examination is required and your animal is from a low-risk household, your veterinary clinic should admit your animal for examination, but always maintain social distancing.

Management of chronic conditions

Could be managed by telemedicine when possible. Schedule an appointment if an urgent examination is needed but always maintain social distancing.

Surgical procedures for painful disorders

If your animal can be temporarily maintained on analgesics (medicines that are used to relieve pain) with a low risk of negative consequences, delay the surgery. If the surgery cannot be delayed, do proceed if the household is low-risk. If the household is high-risk, consult your veterinary clinic to discuss alternative options. If possible, isolate your animal from any high-risk individuals for two to three days to minimise the risk of possible contamination.

Sterilisations

Elective sterilisation for animals from a high-risk household should be discontinued until further notice. Animals from low-risk households could be sterilised, but always maintain social distancing.