# summary

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/
- Published: 2026-09-03T12:52:45+02:00
- Author: dearSA

_Advert_

_Advert – scroll down_

[ have your say](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/#havasay)

### Executive Summary: What the Proposed By-Law Intends to Do

The draft By-law exercises municipal control over the numbers, species, shelter 
conditions, and hygiene standards of all animals kept across Cape Town. Key proposals
include:

[Universal Pet Licensing & Fees](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1738150189952-44103674-e29d31d9-c3be5520-2543153b-5731)

Every resident keeping a dog or cat older than six months must apply for an individual
municipal permit from the City, pay a prescribed permit fee, and furnish a valid
rabies inoculation certificate.

[Property-Based Pet Quotas](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1738150189975-5d0623dc-47dc31d9-c3be5520-2543153b-5731)

The number of pets permitted per property is capped by erf size and dwelling type:

    - _Flats & Sectional Title Units:_ Maximum 2 dogs.
    - _Standard Residential Erven (<600 m2) :_ Maximum 3 dogs.
    - _Large Residential Erven (> 600 m2):_ Maximum 4 dogs.
    - _Residential Properties (all categories):_ Maximum 4 cats.
    - _Agricultural Land:_ Maximum 6 dogs and 6 cats

[Neighbour Approvals for "Excess" Animals](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1738150854013-bb98f5fb-7d0931d9-c3be5520-2543153b-5731)

Keeping animals beyond the prescribed limit requires a special permit, an official
premises inspection, and written letters of support from at least two directly adjacent
neighbours.

[Mandatory Sterilisation & Identification](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1738151172108-10076802-4d0031d9-c3be5520-2543153b-5731)

All dogs and cats over six months must be surgically sterilised unless the owner
pays for an exemption permit. All dogs and cats must be microchipped or wear a collar
with contact details

[Warrantless Search and Entry Powers](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788433159528-3406795f-2bb2)

Section 42 empowers authorised municipal officials to search private premises, vehicles,
and structures without a warrant if they believe a warrant would be granted and 
delay would defeat the search.

[Working Animal Protections](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788433183730-115b4d75-dfdc)

Sets strict welfare rules prohibiting working equines from operating in temperatures
exceeding 30°C, capping pulling loads to double the animal’s weight, mandating hourly
water rests, and banning the tethering or chaining of security guard dogs.

[Restrictions on Backyard Urban Farming](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788433217528-ec676147-13b7)

Completely bans roosters and pigs on residential erven. Restricts residential chicken
keeping to a maximum of 5 hens without a permit, and requires approved architectural
building plans with municipal setback lines for rabbit hutches, poultry coops, and
bird aviaries.

[Cultural & Religious Slaughter](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788433239913-d04f963a-8414)

Requires a written application submitted 14 days in advance to City Health, written
proof of prior notification to adjacent neighbours, and complete screening from 
public and neighbour view.

[Prohibition of Inhumane Devices](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788433265463-01e52aea-15e0)

Completely bans the sale, placement, and use of adhesive or glue traps, and prohibits
wild animals in circus performances.

### _Questions and answers_

[What is the Draft Animal Keeping By-law, 2026?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1763554389233-fdb8fee6-6da45520-2543153b-5731)

It is a comprehensive regulatory framework published by the City of Cape Town that
sets mandatory rules for owning, housing, caring for, breeding, selling, and impounding
companion animals (dogs and cats), working equines (cart horses), security dogs,
livestock, poultry, birds, rabbits, and bees. It repeals the Animal By-law, 2021.

[What is the deadline to submit public comments?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1763554389265-aa09206a-77665520-2543153b-5731)

Public participation opened on 28 August 2026 and closes on Tuesday, 29 September
2026.

[Does this By-law apply only to pets?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1763554389298-fbc55a3c-817c5520-2543153b-5731)

**No.** It applies to domestic pets, guard dogs, working cart horses, commercial
kennels, pet shops, grooming parlours, farm livestock, poultry, caged birds, racing
pigeons, rabbits, wild animals, and honeybees.

[Will I really need a permit for every dog and cat I own?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1771840733358-e4b2d08e-b226153b-5731)

Yes, as currently drafted. Under Section 2(5) and Section 3(5), anyone keeping a
dog or cat older than six months must apply to the City for a permit for every single
animal. The application must include the prescribed fee and proof of a valid rabies
inoculation.

[How many dogs and cats can I legally keep without an "excess" permit?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1771840767171-e194ee95-bf82153b-5731)

The draft establishes strict property-based limits (Section 2 & 3):

    - Flats / Dwelling Units (including sectional titles): Maximum 2 dogs.
    - Standard Dwelling Houses (erf ≤ 600m²): Maximum 3 dogs.
    - Large Houses (erf > 600m²): Maximum 4 dogs.
    - Agricultural Properties: Maximum 6 dogs.
    - Cats: Maximum 4 cats on any residential property; maximum 6 cats on agricultural
      land.

[What happens if I currently own more pets than the allowed quota?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438525486-def11493-7d64)

You will be forced to apply for an “excess animal permit” under Section 4. This 
process involves paying a fee, undergoing a municipal premises inspection, checking
for past cruelty convictions, and obtaining written letters of support from at least
two directly adjacent neighbours if requested by the inspector.

[Is sterilisation mandatory for all pet dogs and cats?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438566403-e54c7c3c-d591)

**Yes**. Under Section 5(1), all dogs and cats over six months of age must be surgically
sterilised unless the owner applies for and obtains a municipal exemption permit.
Authorised officials can also cause unsterilised stray or seized animals to be spayed/
neutered at the owner’s expense.

[Do I have to microchip my pets?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438595719-ba78b80e-0e33)

**Yes**. Dogs and cats must either wear a collar and tag with contact details or
be microchipped with the owner’s updated details registered on an active database.
Any stray animal claimed from a municipal pound must be microchipped prior to release
at the owner’s cost.

[What are the rules for walking dogs in public?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438631780-76ba524b-bcc2)

Dogs must be kept on a leash and under control in all public streets and public 
open spaces, unless the specific park or beach has been formally designated by Council
signage as a “free-running” (off-leash) area. Dog owners are legally required to
carry bags and immediately remove and dispose of their dog’s excrement (guide dog
handlers are exempt).

[How does the By-law protect working cart horses?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438663470-0d160710-7b32)

Section 14 and Section 15 introduce landmark welfare standards:

    - No working an equine in extreme heat exceeding 30°C.
    - Handlers must be at least 18 years of age and not intoxicated.
    - Compulsory hourly rest breaks with access to clean drinking water.
    - Maximum pulling weight capped at double the equine’s body weight (including
      the cart).
    - Animal-drawn vehicles must display a visible registration plate and comply
      with SABS harnessing standards.
    - Both the driver (“operator’s permit”) and the horse (“equine permit”) must
      be licensed.

[What are the new rules for security guard dogs?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438706588-57aee40f-46c8)

Under Section 16, security and working dogs must be registered with PSIRA. They 
cannot be chained or tethered on any site. When not on patrol, they must be housed
in an enclosure measuring at least 4m x 2m x 1.8m with a weatherproof kennel and
constant water. A qualified handler must be present on site; guard dogs may not 
be left locked up alone without handler supervision.

[Are glue traps banned?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438733339-70263358-ae8b)

**Yes**. Section 13(4) completely bans the use, placement, and commercial sale of
any adhesive or glue trap within the City of Cape Town.

[Can I keep chickens in my suburban backyard?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438764656-a9136a43-698f)

You can keep up to 5 chicken hens without a permit. If you want to keep more than
5 chickens, you must apply for a permit and submit approved building plans for the
coop. Roosters are completely banned on residential properties to prevent noise 
nuisances. Poultry coops must be set back at least 3m from boundaries and dwellings,
and 50m from any water source.

[Can I keep pigs, sheep, or cattle on my residential property?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438786940-c6f6389e-76dc)

Pigs are completely banned on all residential premises. Keeping sheep or goats requires
a municipal permit. Large livestock (horses, cattle, donkeys) are only permitted
on properties 4,000m² or larger, with a strict limit of 2 large animals per 4,000m
² (and 1 additional animal per extra 2,000m²).

[What are the rules for keeping rabbits or aviaries?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438814151-85590f5e-ab78)

Under Section 27(2), keeping any rabbits or more than 5 caged birds on residential
premises requires a municipal permit and approved building plans for the hutches
or aviaries, including a 3-metre boundary setback and concrete flooring.

[What rules apply to beekeeping in residential areas?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438836668-967553ac-042d)

Beekeepers must hold a municipal permit, be registered with the Department of Agriculture,
and belong to a beekeepers’ association. Hives must be set back at least 5m from
property boundaries, 50m from public places and animal enclosures, and surrounded
by a 1.5m high wall or fence with a permanent water source within 5m. The City may
prohibit hives within 400m of schools, clinics, or churches.

[What are the rules for religious or cultural animal slaughter?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438863192-d26e1c04-82ef)

Ritual slaughter outside of registered abattoirs remains permitted for religious,
cultural, ceremonial, or personal consumption purposes under Section 36, but applicants
must submit a written application to City Health 14 days in advance, provide written
proof that adjacent neighbours were notified, hold the animal for no more than 48
hours, and ensure the slaughter is completely screened from public or neighbour 
view.

[Can municipal inspectors enter my home without a search warrant?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438888053-d5f93363-35b0)

Under Section 42, an authorised law enforcement officer can conduct a search of 
any premises, vehicle, or structure without a warrant if they reasonably believe
a warrant would be granted under Section 41 and the delay of applying for one would
defeat the object of the search.

[What penalties apply if someone breaks these rules?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/#1788438913543-4a195fbb-0ce3)

Under Section 39, anyone contravening the By-law or failing to comply with a written
notice is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine, imprisonment for up to two 
years, or both.

The draft By-Law

 ⌊Loader⌉ Loading...

 ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long?

 ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document

 | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/03143629/Draft-Animal-Keeping-By-law.pdf)

[Download [462.42 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/03143629/Draft-Animal-Keeping-By-law.pdf)

Summary

 ⌊Loader⌉ Loading...

 ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long?

 ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document

 | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04125959/Draft-Animal-Keeping-By-law-Summary.pdf)

[Download [182.24 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/04125959/Draft-Animal-Keeping-By-law-Summary.pdf)

### _In the News_

    - BusinessTech — [New rules for cats, dogs and other pets in Cape Town, including stricter leash laws](https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/874075/new-rules-for-cats-dogs-and-other-pets-in-cape-town-including-stricter-leash-laws/)
    - cape_{town}_etc — [New animal by-law could change Cape Town pet rules](https://www.capetownetc.com/news/new-animal-law-cape-town-pet-rules/)
    - IOL — [Cape Town draft animal by-law targets strays, nuisance animals and attacks](https://iol.co.za/capeargus/city-watch/2026-08-29-cape-town-draft-animal-by-law-targets-strays-nuisance-animals-and-attacks/)
    - 2Oceans Vibe — [A Western Cape Municipality Is Cracking Down On Dog Owners](https://www.2oceansvibe.com/world/south-africa/a-western-cape-municipality-is-cracking-down-on-dog-owners/)
    - Nova News — [South Africa urged to tackle growing stray animal crisis](https://novanews.co.za/south-africa-urged-to-tackle-growing-stray-animal-crisis/)
    - Voice of the Cape — [Fatal Mitchells Plain Dog Attack Renews Calls for Stricter Animal Control Measures](https://vocfm.co.za/fatal-mitchells-plain-dog-attack-renews-calls-for-stricter-animal-control-measures/)

**Cape Talk.** City calls for comment on proposed amendments to Animal Keeping By-
Law

**The Feed CPT.** New pet rules in Cape Town

### _Statements and media releases_

Click on a logo to view.

![click to view statement fro the Cape Independence Party](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.
co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/28074844/Logo-New-smaller-150x150.png "Logo, New
smaller")

Want to display a statement or submission from your organisation? [Click here. ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/coct-animal-by-law/summary/ coct@dearsouthafrica.co.za?subject=org info for CoCT pets by-law regulations info page)

Close

### Cape Independence Party

 ⌊Loader⌉ Loading...

 ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long?

 ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document

 | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20142632/Animal-Keeping-Bylaw-2026-CIP.pdf)

[Download [60.41 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20142632/Animal-Keeping-Bylaw-2026-CIP.pdf)