THE PROBLEM
Overpopulation of dogs and cats throughout our Municipality results in animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, dog fighting and hawking of animals on street corners. Illegal “backyard’ breeders further contribute to this problem. Apart from the possibility of a dog attacking an adult or child, there is the spread of disease from dogs to humans, scabies, rabies, ringworm, tape worm and other intestinal parasites.
There is also a severe lack of animal medical care facilities in or near the disadvantaged areas where basic care is most needed. While there are many volunteer organisations working in the various areas the problem is still increasing. These organisations need help from local government.
DOG CONTROL & ANIMAL INSPECTORS
Dog Control, a Municipal Department, is tasked with enforcing the by-laws (illegal breeding, stray dogs and nuisance). They do not deal with cases of cruelty or neglect. Currently fines are not being issued in terms of the by-laws.
The three major local animal organisations (SPCA, AWS & AACL) have five Inspectors between them covering Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage & Despatch. These Inspectors deal with cases of cruelty and neglect and have the power to confiscate animals.
THE SOLUTION
Existing by-laws must be enforced. Fines must be imposed and those fines channelled back to fund sterilisations and animal welfare. More inspectors are needed to bring transgressors to book.
The general public need to be educated on what the law requires of them. They have a responsibility to care for their animals. They need to be informed on where they can obtain help.
A mass sterilisation programme is required to limit litters. A vaccination programme is required to curb the spread of distemper, parvo-virus and other deadly diseases.
IT CAN BE ACHIEVED
We have a right under the Constitution to a local government that is accountable. The laws are already promulgated. But they are not being applied as they should be.
The Batho Pele Principles require that our local government works for the people providing basic services and promoting social and economic development.
The DA led City of Cape Town has recently doubled their funding to their local SPCA by increasing the allocation to R9 million for a three year period.
We need the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to get more involved: acknowledge there is a huge problem, apply the existing laws and fund sterilisation drives
