Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) is proud to announce an important milestone for animal welfare in our community: the updated Knysna By-Law Relating to the Keeping of Dogs has officially been gazetted. This is a significant step toward safer communities, healthier pets, and stronger control over irresponsible dog ownership and breeding.
When a law is gazetted, it means it has been formally published in the Government Gazette, making it official and enforceable. Once published, it is no longer a proposal or draft — it becomes law, and all residents are required to comply. The publication date marks the moment the new rules legally come into effect.
KAWS extends heartfelt gratitude to Cobri Vermeulen, whose dedication and persistence played a crucial role in getting this by-law updated and formally gazetted. Cobri’s tireless work ensures that Knysna’s legislation better protects animals, aligns with modern welfare standards, and empowers both the Municipality and KAWS to respond effectively to abuse, neglect, and irresponsible ownership.
The updated by-law brings Knysna in line with national animal protection legislation, including the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and NSPCA regulations. One of the biggest breakthroughs is the requirement that all dogs over six months must be sterilised unless the owner has an official breeding permit. This helps prevent backyard and accidental breeding, roaming unneutered males, overpopulation, dog aggression, the spread of disease, and the overwhelming number of unwanted dogs entering KAWS. Sterilisation reduces health, behavioural, and welfare problems and decreases the number of dogs facing euthanasia due to lack of space.
Anyone wishing to keep an unsterilised dog must apply for a permit and prove that they are a legitimate, registered breeder. Permits must be renewed annually and are not transferable. This measure helps eliminate irresponsible breeding that contributes to the stray population.
The by-law also strengthens protections against neglect and cruelty. It clearly prohibits keeping dogs in unsafe or dirty conditions, denying them adequate shelter, food, or water, chaining or caging them in ways that cause suffering, and failing to seek veterinary care for sick or injured animals. These rules align Knysna’s standards with NSPCA guidelines and allow cruel practices to be addressed quickly.
All dogs, not just those declared dangerous, must be kept in properly fenced and secure premises to keep both the community and animals safe. Reporting requirements, movement restrictions, warning signage, and penalties for non-compliance have all been clarified and strengthened.
Dog owners are now legally required to keep dogs on leashes (except in designated free-running areas), clean up after their dogs, and prevent them from becoming a hazard, nuisance, or public health risk. Additionally, the by-law bans the selling, hawking, or raffling of dogs in public spaces, protecting animals from cruel breeding and unsafe conditions.
These changes are crucial for Knysna, a beloved tourist destination, as they create safer neighbourhoods, reduce stray and roaming dogs, improve animal health, lessen pressure on KAWS, strengthen enforcement against abuse, and promote community education and accountability.
As the officially recognised municipal pound, KAWS sees firsthand the consequences of irresponsible ownership. These updated by-laws give us and the Municipality the legal tools to curb overpopulation, reduce dog attacks, intervene in cruelty cases, promote responsible pet ownership, and improve overall animal welfare in Knysna.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Cobri Vermeulen for championing this critical cause, and we thank the entire community for supporting KAWS and speaking up for animals who cannot speak for themselves. Together, we are building a kinder and safer Knysna for animals and people alike.
