OWNING PETS IN SECURITY ESTATES

Pet ownership is a wonderful privilege however it requires responsible behaviour and appropriate actions by owners. In communities governed by communal rules, rules that deal with pets form an integral part of the rules because pets can be a source of enormous nuisance to others.

Municipal Bylaws

Bylaws are regulations passed and approved by the municipality. In areas governed by a body corporate and/or home owners association, a set of rules further ensures harmonious communal living.

Rules Governing Pets

In some cases rules may place a restriction on whether or not pets such as dogs and cats may be kept. Specifically in a residential game reserve it may be necessary to have such a restriction or in confined areas such as in a block of flats. Estates often have rules that prevent residents from keeping poultry, racing pigeons, rabbits, wild animals, livestock and having aviaries.

Responsible Ownership

An important aspect in terms of pet ownership is that dogs need to be kept on a leash at all times when in communal areas and that excrement must be removed immediately by person exercising the dog. Dogs and cats should be microchipped and wear a collar with a tag containing owner details, this assists in reuniting a lost pet with its owner.

When it comes to pets that became a nuisance, for instance dogs that are incessantly barking or pose a danger to others, punitive measures may need to be taken by the managing body and in a worse-case scenario could include removal of the pet. Pets that are found unaccompanied in communal areas could be kept in a temporary facility before been taken to a pet facility until claimed by the owner.

It is important to encourage responsible pet ownership and to make all familiar with the rules that govern pets.