“Living with an animal is a privilege, not a right. Responsibility is key,” said Christine Kuch, Public Relations Officer at the Roodepoort SPCA.
She addressed some issues in a recent press release, pertaining to enquiries and complaints received from people with animals who wish to be able to keep them even though they are residents in a gated community or townhouse complex. “The Trustees, landlords or body corporate usually experience problems or issues with pets being kept in these small spaces, including frustrations relating to untrained or unsocialised pets,” she said.
She added that is the responsibility of the pet owners to promote themselves as responsible pet owners, as well as to demonstrate commitment that reaches beyond normal pet care – this includes being a responsible neighbour. “A key factor that is often overlooked, is what pets are acceptable. The SPCA movement opposes exotic or wild animals being kept as pets on welfare grounds, as there might be an adverse impact on neighbours. These animals pose a potential danger to humans because of zoonosis – when a disease or condition is, or can be transferred from animals to humans. It is good to know that all reptiles carry salmonella,” said Christine.
A landlord or body corporate can perform various checks in advance, to accommodate a responsible owner and their pet. These include:
• Do the owners clean up after their pets and dispose of the waste in a sanitary manner?
• Is the dog kept on a leash at all times when outside the home grounds?
• Can the pet be identified, either with a collar and name disc or through a microchip?
• Does the owner obey all local by-laws pertaining to animals?
• Is the pet spayed or neutered? This does not only improve the health and behaviour of the pet but also prevents over-population.
• Does the owner maintain an active tick, flea and deworming programme to prevent the spread of these pests?
• Are all vaccinations up to date?
• Does the owner provide sufficient attention and adequate activities or items (toys or chews) for the animal’s behavioural needs?
She added that other factors to take into account include the level of interest in the animal, meeting its behavioural needs, exercise, general interaction with people, socialisation, general care and attention, as well as veterinary and grooming needs.
“It should be noted that a smaller breed is not necessarily more suited to a smaller property. Some ridiculous rules have been enforced by landlords or body corporates, including that a dog may not be taller than a specified number of centimetres! Jack Russell Terriers may fit that bill, but it would be hard to find a more energetic breed of dog,” she said.
She also wished to remind residents that the SPCA only enforces the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, which relates to the welfare of animals. “This includes cases where action can be taken, including seizure of the animal in situations when cruelty, abuse or neglect has taken place,” Catherine said.
Matters relating to nuisance behaviour (barking, howling or whining), as well as animals wandering off or being allowed to stray beyond their own properties fall under the local by-laws which are enforced by the municipality.
Another issue that they receive a lot of complaints and enquiries about, is the slaughtering of animals in residential area. In response, she said, “Whilst traditional, cultural, religious slaughter may be constitutionally permissible, permission has to be obtained from the body corporate who may stipulate as a condition that the SPCA must be consulted regarding the slaughter or even present at the time of it. This is in the interest of both the animal/s and residents, as a large bull (for instance) can cause a great deal of damage and injury if it breaks free and bolts.”
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