14 October 2004 Press Release City of Johannesburg to impound roaming animals through Public Health By-laws Prosecutions and heavy fines will be imposed to Johannesburg residents who allow cows, sheep, goats, horses, pigs and other domestic animals to freely roam the street and endanger lives, health and well-being of communities. This was announced by the City of Johannesburg's Acting Deputy Director of Environmental Health Nic van Deventer. The city boundaries where this problem is more pronounced and would be targeted for action are: Regions 1 & 2 (Diepsloot, Midrand and Ivory Park), 6 (Doornkop/Soweto), 7 (Alexandra), 10 (Diepkloof/Meadowlands) and 11 (Ennerdale/Orange Farm). "Members of the public in these areas were very vocal about roaming animals who endanger their lives on public roads. They also added that these animals are also kept on private properties and threatened their health," said van Deventer. The Deputy Director said the City responded by working together with other government departments like the Departments of Land Affairs, Agriculture, Conservation and Environment to construct a plan of action. They are currently finalizing a plan that would help to regulate this situation. Among other things, the Public Health By-laws of the City promulgated on the May 21, 2004, prevents residents from keeping or allowing any animal, other than an approved pet, on any erf in a proclaimed township. The by-laws defined animals as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, mules, donkeys, pigs, rabbits and any wild animals. An exception is however made for the keeping of rabbits if they are five or less, provided kept on any erf in a proclaimed township, while twenty or less are allowed on an agricultural holding without a permit. It further allows for ten or less poultry to be kept on any erf in a proclaimed township without a permit provided that no health nuisance is created. A hundred poultry or less may be kept on an agricultural holding without any permit. A goat may also be kept for the provision of milk for medical reasons. In all of the above instances, the by-laws also make provision for specific requirements for the keeping of rabbits, poultry or goat e.g. structural requirements for cages, hutches and holding areas and duties of the person who keeps rabbits, poultry or a goat for medical reasons, which includes general hygiene and sanitation requirements. The by-laws also make provision for the keeping of animals on farmlands and agricultural holdings within the boundaries of the City. This is subject to the compliance with requirements for stables, pigsty's and enclosures - specifically with regard to the construction thereof, as well as general hygiene and sanitation requirements to which the keeping of such animals should comply. "The City will not tolerate contravention of its by-laws in this regard, especially when the lives of motorists and pedestrians are endangered. Under the same circumstances, the health and well-being of the members of the communities are also considered at risk," said van Deventer. Regional Environmental Health Units have been mandated to drive the enforcement of the City's Public Health By-laws. Any person contravening the provisions and requirements of the By-laws will be prosecuted and/or issued with a stiff fine. Roaming animals would be impounded and impoundment fee be paid to the SPCA's local branch before being release to its owners. In terms of Regulation 313/1, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) will also assist in managing this situation. The regulation relates to animals straying onto public roads, directing them to take necessary action to prevent offences, which threaten safety of road users. In cases where the keeping of animals is allowed in terms of the Public Health, members of the public are required to ensure that they are in compliance with the law. Animals kept on their properties are for instance expected to be in a properly enclosed area of their properties. This would prevent them from roaming onto other properties and public places, spaces and streets. Any person wishing to keep animals or needing advise on this is advised to contact the Regional Environmental Health Units at the following numbers for assistance. Region 1&2 (011) 237 8002 Region 3 (011) 881 6458 Region 4 (011) 474 6703/4/5/6 Region 5 (011) 761 0217 Region 6 (011) 986 0169 Region 7 (011) 531 5604 Region 8 (011) 376 8522 Region 9 (011) 681 8051 Region 10 (011) 933 2422 Region 11 (011) 213 0019/0137 For further information contact: Nic van Deventer Acting Deputy Director: Environmental Health Tel: (011) 407-6796 or Cell: 082 559 3763 Issued by: Gabu Tugwana Communications Director Telephone: 011 407-7322 Cell: 082 495 5673 Facsimile: 011 403-3494 | Email: gabut@joburg.org.za Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Officer CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za