12 Jun 2013

A senior bye law enforcement officer at Tutume sub-district council, Mr Gofaone Toteng has said that dog laws have been amended and will soon be put in place.

Speaking in a kgotla meeting at Selolwane,  he said dog owners have to get licenses for the pets, which will cost P20 per annum for each and a neck tag will be given to identify a licensed dog.

He said that the licenses will only be issued to vaccinated dogs and for one to get a duplicate license, they will have to pay P10.

Mr Toteng informed residents that any person who contravenes the laws, commits an offence and would be liable to a fine not exceeding P2000, or in default of payment thereof, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.

He said on a second subsequent conviction, one will be fined an amount not exceeding P5000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.

Furthermore, Mr Toteng said that any person aggrieved by the decision of the Bye Law may appeal within 30 days of notification of the decision.

Mr Toteng said that the laws are put in place to reduce number of dogs roaming the streets and not cared for.

He noted that all dogs found roaming streets without tags will be taken by the veterinary officers and owners will be charged P10 per day the dog stays in their custody.

An announcement will be made to inform the public to come and apply for the licenses, he said.

The senior bye law officer further  informed the residents about the traditional brews that are approved, which are khadi, setopoti, mokuru, nkumbi and Ila and said that one has to apply for a license to sell the traditional beer, which cost P200 and expected to abide by the liquor act.

A person who contravenes these regulations and commits an offence is liable and the penalty will be a fine not exceeding P500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.

Mr Toteng urged residents to come to the bye law office get more information about the laws so that they do not find themselves on the wrong side. ENDS