Parliament has been informed that the current laws relating to animal health and production do not provide banning of any specific dog breeds in the country.
The laws include the Diseases of Animals Act (CAP 37:01), Cruelty to Animals Act (CAP 37:2) and its subsidiary regulations and the Livestock Improvement Act (CAP 36:04).
Answering a parliamentary question, on behalf of Minister of Lands and Agriculture on Wednesday, Minister of Water and Human Settlement, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi said the Cruelty to Animals Act protected animal welfare while on the other hand, the Livestock Improvement Act promoted and developed the livestock industry by improving the genetic potential and productivity as well as health of animals.
“I am however aware that in some jurisdiction, there are laws which specifically ban certain dangerous dog breeds,” he added citing that in the United Kingdom, the Dangerous Dog Act of 1991 prohibited dangerous dogs but that was not limited to pit bulls only, as it applied to other dangerous breeds. He added that considering the banning of domestic rearing of pit bull dogs on account of safety concerns should be preceded by public discourse which should balance public safety concerns with ethical, welfare and legal considerations.
Parliament was told that the ministry was available to advise councils on dog behaviour, traits and characteristics as they formulated by-laws regulating their keeping, maintenance and licensing within their jurisdictions.
Earlier, Member of Parliament for Kgatleng Central, Mr Mpho Morolong asked the minister if he did not consider banning the domestic rearing of pit bull dogs due to safety concerns.
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