- Every dog and cat older than six months would require a City permit.
- Pets would need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before registration.
- The draft also tightens breeding rules, regulates online animal sales, strengthens welfare protections and expands the City’s enforcement powers.
Every dog and cat in Cape Town could soon need a municipal permit under a sweeping new draft by-law that would fundamentally change pet ownership across the city.
The proposed Animal Keeping By-law, published by the City of Cape Town for public comment, introduces mandatory registration for dogs and cats older than six months, compulsory microchipping, tighter breeding controls and broader powers to enforce animal welfare standards.
The City said the legislation is intended to promote responsible animal ownership, protect animal welfare, and enhance public safety, while also setting clearer rules for everyone from pet owners and beekeepers to commercial breeders and working animal operators.
Every dog and cat would need a permit
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of mandatory permits for every dog and cat older than six months.
Owners would need to register each animal with the City, make sure it is microchipped, and keep its ownership details linked to the microchip. When applying for a permit, they’d also need a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
The by-law would also limit the number of pets residents can keep, depending on the type of property. A dwelling unit could have two dogs, a standard house three, and larger residential properties over 600 square metres could have up to four dogs.
Most residential properties would be limited to four cats, while agricultural properties could keep up to six dogs and six cats. Anyone who wants to keep more than the allowed number would need to apply for a special permit from the City.
Sterilisation becomes the default
The draft proposes that all dogs and cats older than six months must be sterilised unless their owners get permission from the City to keep them unsterilised. Applications could be refused if breeding is likely to create a nuisance, harm animal welfare or conflict with municipal planning requirements.
The City would also be allowed to sterilise stray or impounded animals in certain cases, with owners potentially liable for the costs. The proposal aims to reduce uncontrolled breeding and improve long-term animal welfare across the metro.
Online sales and breeders face tougher regulation
Commercial breeders, kennels, catteries, pet shops, pet hotels and pet day-care facilities would all need City approval to operate. Anyone breeding, boarding or selling animals for financial gain would need a location-specific permit before opening their business.
Operators would also need to keep detailed veterinary records, welfare plans and comprehensive records of every animal in their care.
The draft also bans the sale of animals in public streets, from vehicles or at public markets. It extends regulation to animals advertised or sold online and through social media without the required permit. Businesses operating illegally could have their permits revoked or be shut down.
Stronger protections for working animals
Working horses and security dogs would receive dedicated welfare protections under the proposed law.
Cart horse operators would need both an operator’s permit and a separate permit for each horse, and every working horse would have to be microchipped and linked to its registered owner. Animal-drawn carts would also need to show an official City registration plate.
The by-law would ban working animals from operating in temperatures above 30°C or when injured, sick or heavily pregnant. It would require at least one rest break every hour and continuous access to clean drinking water. Horses would not be allowed to pull loads heavier than twice their own body weight.
Security companies using working dogs would have to provide minimum kennel standards, not allow tethering, and make sure qualified handlers are present whenever dogs are deployed.
New rules for public spaces and dangerous animals
The City is also proposing clearer rules for dogs in parks, beaches and other public places. Dogs would usually have to stay on a leash unless they are in areas specially set aside for free running.
The City could also create on-leash, off-leash and dog-free zones depending on the location, season or time of day. Pet owners would be legally required to clean up after their dogs in public places, except for guide dogs helping visually impaired people.
Owners of dangerous animals would have to display warning signs at every entrance to their property, and people would be banned from provoking or encouraging animals to attack others.
Crackdown on cruelty, fireworks and stray animals
The draft significantly strengthens offences relating to animal cruelty and neglect. It bans animal fighting and hunting with animals, bans the use of wild or exotic animals in circus performances, and makes it an offence to intentionally or negligently terrify, distress or harm animals with fireworks.
Anyone who rescues a stray animal would have to notify the City within 24 hours so the animal can be scanned for a microchip and reunited with its owner if possible. If no owner can be found after the prescribed process, the animal could be forfeited to the City and enter its rehoming programme.
Bees, poultry and backyard animal keeping
Beyond household pets, the proposed law introduces dedicated standards for beekeeping, backyard poultry, rabbits, birds and livestock.
It sets hygiene requirements for keeping animals, regulates shelters and pounds, and sets minimum standards for housing, drainage and the care of animals on both residential and agricultural properties.
The draft Animal Keeping By-law is open for public comment from 28 August to 29 September 2026. Residents can submit comments online through the City of Cape Town’s public participation portal, email their submissions to Animal.Bylaw@capetown.gov.za, or deliver written comments to the Law Enforcement Department at the Omniforum Building, 94 Van Riebeeck Street, Kuils River, during weekday office hours.
Haven’t seen the draft Animal Keeping By-law? Get a copy here.
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