Who let the dogs out?

The Gaborone City Council (GCC) is finally revising its by-laws around the ownership and protection of dogs, those animals everyone calls “man’s best friend,” but which are often ironically treated like blood enemies by some.

The new draft by-laws, from what has been provided by the city council, appear to address the desperately needed attitude shift amongst pet owners, although already there are voices saying the new rules are punitive and severe.

The draft by-laws limit dog ownership to just two pets and those needing more will have to demonstrate a high level of care and facilities before they are granted permission. Licensing of dogs has also been further clarified and made enforceable. All dogs are required to be licensed and these will only be granted when the owners can demonstrate the required standard of care and shelter. The proposed by-laws even require microchipping of dogs and that every premise within which a dog resides should have a sign warning visitors of the fact, written in both English and Setswana.

Editor's Comment
UDC's 100 Days: Please deliver your promises!

We duly congratulate them to have ousted the long ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power. Prior to taking power from the BDP, the coalition had made several election promises that are credited for influencing change and swaying the people to vote in its favour.The party had made an undertaking, which its leader and President Duma Boko consistently bellowed in his campaign trail. These undertakings were promises that Batswana would be...

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