The draft contains many of the same controversial provisions already in effect\u2014such as limits on pet numbers and permit requirements\u2014and adds only a few new measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main changes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Changing and expanding some definitions to include different types of animals and animal keepers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- More refined classification of livestock\u2014differentiating between large and small livestock<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Expanding microchipping and collar requirements, including compulsory microchipping for reclaimed animals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Requiring broader approval for permits to keep more than the allowed number of animals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Banning the use of dogs in hunting activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A wider prohibition on unleashed dogs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Formalising permit requirements for sellers and breeders <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A reduction of holding times for animals seized by the city<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The formal introduction of search, seizure, and entry warrant processes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Notably, the restrictions on the number of pets allowed and the requirement for permits from 2021 have not changed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the 2021 laws, and unchanged in the 2026 draft, no person may keep more than two dogs in or at a dwelling unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those living in a house, the limit is three or four in a large house. Farmhouses can have up to six dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For cats, the limit is higher\u2014all types of residential properties are allowed to have four cats. Six cats are allowed on farms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Owners of cats and dogs have needed to apply to the city for a permit for these animals since 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone who wants to keep an animal and requires a permit must apply in writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The city may charge the applicant a prescribed fee for considering and for granting a permit,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further to this, the city said it may refuse to consider an application for a permit until the prescribed fee has been paid and until it has been provided with the information that it reasonably requires to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It should be noted that the city has not yet charged any fees for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The city also maintains other bylaws related to dangerous animals or breeds, which require a special permit to keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the by-law, any person who keeps a dangerous animal must apply to the city for a permit to keep that specific dangerous animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are also required to display “adequate signage indicating the presence of a dangerous animal” and take measures to ensure that the animal does not escape the premises where it is kept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are distinct from “wild animals”, which are not allowed to be kept at all without an even more restrictive permit from nature conservation officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The previous provisions on “noise” and “nuisance” from kept animals also still stand. The city can work with neighbourhood watches and authorities to determine whether animals are being a nuisance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This could result in owners being issued compliance orders and given a set timeframe to resolve the issue. Failing this, the owner or person in charge of the premises will be guilty of an offence and face penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These provisions are unchanged in the new draft laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Search, seizure, leashing and microchips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/5-5-1024x577.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe main changes in the 2026 by-law that private households will need to note concern microchipping and leashing their dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the 2021 by-law, microchipping was explicitly mandated for cats, which tend to wander and aren’t always necessarily restricted to a premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, under the 2026 draft, this mandate is extended to dogs. All dogs must be microchipped or fitted with a collar and name tag listing the owner\u2019s contact details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs are now also strictly required to be on leashes in all public streets and public places by default, unless a space is designated by the City Council as a free-running area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Previously, the city designated specific public places where dogs were required to be on leashes or prohibited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In terms of permits, a significant change is where a house wants to have more pets than are allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Previously, the application for such a permit was handled exclusively by the city\u2014in the 2026 draft bylaw, officials may require the applicant to provide written support from at least two adjacent neighbours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding animal seizures, the city is still empowered to seize animals where owners are in violation of the bylaws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under the 2021 laws, authorised officials had no explicit way to apply for warrants, and instead relied on broader provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) to conduct warrantless searches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While warrantless searches are still permitted under the 2026 draft, the new approach also establishes a formal warrant-application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If an owner or occupier denies consent to enter, an official must apply to a Magistrate for a warrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Broadly, the process has been more formalised in law and narrowed to protect authorities (from offenders and unlawful tactics) and households (giving an avenue to challenge). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, where officials believe a warrantless search would be permitted by the CPA, this provision still stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other matters relating to seizures include the shorter holding period for seized stray animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the 2021 laws, these animals were held for at least 10 days, and at least 30 days for large animals. This has been reduced to 7 days and 21 days, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Animals intended for slaughter in religious or cultural ceremonies could not be kept on the residential premises for more than 12 hours prior to slaughtering in the 2021 laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the 2026 draft, animals may be kept on the premises for up to 48 hours before slaughter, but applicants must formally notify adjacent neighbours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The full draft by-law is available below. Comments on the law can be submitted on the city’s website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n