Question NW2694 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
27 September 2023 - NW2694
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a)(i) What laws govern the keeping of vicious breeds of dogs and (ii) who enforces the laws and (b) whose responsibility is it to ensure the public is safe from the vicious breeds of dogs; (2) whose responsibility is it to ensure that the animals are kept in adequate housing so as not to cause the humans and animals harm; (3) whether the state veterinarians are involved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) (a) what steps are being taken by her department to (i) address the indiscriminate and backyard breeding of vicious breeds of dogs and (ii) regulate ownership of the vicious breeds of dogs and (b) who polices the regulations?
Reply:
1. (a) (i) The Animal Matters Amendment Act, 1993 (Act 42 of 1993).
(ii) Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
(b) Municipalities are responsible for public safety.
2. It is the responsibility of each municipality.
3. No. State veterinarians are responsible for the control of diseases; the control of vicious dogs falls outside their mandate.
4. (a) (i) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development together with some municipalities (e.g. City of Tshwane) and other relevant role players are organising dog safety and wellness campaigns to teach the public about safe dog keeping, management, controlled breeding and wellness. This information will also be made available online and through publications to empower members of the public.
(ii) Municipalities.
(b) The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.