07/08/2024
*FACTUAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE DOG LICENSE PROGRAMME*
Hessequa Municipality would like to place the following factual information regarding the dog license program on record:
As a result of various challenges, specifically with dogs in our municipal area, it was decided to launch a project in all areas and towns in Hessequa to once again make the public aware of their responsibilities as dog owners.
The payment of license fees or dog tax is not something new but a practice that has already been established over the years. The regulation of dog licenses is a legal requirement in terms of the Municipal Bylaw regarding the Keeping and Treatment of Dogs and Cats (Extraordinary Provincial Gazette Number 8426, Published on Friday, 07 May 2021). A fine of R500.00 (five hundred rand) is payable if your dog does not have a valid licence.
*TARIFFS*
Rates relevant to dog licenses are approved annually by the municipal council, which are payable annually by 01 July.
*The rates are as follows:*
Unsterilized Male dog: R 250.00
Unsterilized Bitch dog: R 349,00
Sterilized Male dog : R 54.00
Sterilized Bitch dog : R 54.00
*Pensioners get a 10% discount.*
Unsterilized Male dog: R 225.00
Unsterilized Bitch dog: R 314.10
Sterilized male dog : R 48.60
Sterilized Bitch dog : R 48.60
*AWARENESS*
The month of August 2024 will be used to make the public aware of the project, after which it will then be implemented with effect from 01 September 2024.
▪Law enforcement officers, dressed in official uniform and in possession of an Appointment Certificate for identification purposes, will visit all households in the Hessequa municipal area.
▪Door-to-door visits will take place Monday to Friday from 13:00 to 21:00 in the evenings.
▪Residents are offered the opportunity to take out a dog license directly from the visiting officer or, if so preferred, at the nearest municipal office.
▪️Residents who cannot immediately acquire a license from the visiting officer will receive a second visit.
▪If the person is still not in possession of a licence, a fine will be issued and the person will receive a written notice to obtain the license within a certain time.
*FUNDING*
R123 169 has been budgeted for the 2024/25 financial year for the following services:
*Vaccinations*
Dogs and cats
*Sterilization*
Bitch
Male dog
Female cat
Male cat
Pregnant bitch
Pregnant female cat
*Euthanasia*
Dog and cats
Hessequa Municipality has appointed Community Animal Rescue Society (CARS) until 30 June 2027 and they conduct mass sterilization sessions with the public. A certain town or area is targeted where the need is greatest and this approach is also followed due to the limited amount of funds available. The public is encouraged to have their animals sterilized in order to pay the reduced rate.
License fees collected will be used to supplement the municipality's own funds in order to maintain the functioning of the municipal pound and make it more sustainable.
The municipality is currently also involved in helping Kerneelsie Cares NPC in Albertinia to transport animals (10 x dogs) to Mossel Bay once a month to be sterilized.
