Blougbergstranders, a community group on Facebook, announced today, March 25, that under South African law, owners can be seriously fined if their dogs bark for a certain period of time.
The law allegedly stipulates that dogs cannot bark for more than six minutes in any hour, or more than three minutes in any half hour.
Get your stopwatches out Capetonians, you’re facing a R20 000 fine should you be found guilty.
An official may order the owner to take necessary steps to stop any disturbance and owners are required to keep their pets under control.
Got a yapper on your hands?
Animal behaviourist, Bernice Jaffe said:
“Barking is only a problem if it isn’t treated properly and with kind guidance, coaching and coaxing, it can be quickly resolved – we just have to understand the underlying cause.
For obvious reasons, excessive barking alienates the owner from their pet. Not only that, but it also corrodes the relationship between dog owners and their neighbours. Under South African law, owners may not keep any dog that barks for more than six minutes in any hour or more than three minutes in any half hour. An official may order the owner to take necessary steps to stop the disturbance and owners are required to keep the dog under proper control.”
Jaffe highlights these possible causes for excessive barking:
- Lack of exercise
- Lack of stimulation
- Attention seeking
- Protecting territory
Need assistance? Contact Bernice at 079 883 7566.
Picture: Unsplash