The City of Cape Town invites the public to assist with drafting a new Animal Welfare Policy

The City of Cape Town’s Health Portfolio Committee will facilitate the drafting of a joint Animal Welfare Policy in conjunction with the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, following the approval of a recommendation at Council. The City will be involved in the drafting process, while other spheres of government will implement the policy.

The first step in developing the policy has been the establishment of a working group comprising key roleplayers. This working group will be chaired by the Chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee, Councillor James Vos. The Provincial Government and the Department of Agriculture will be invited to serve on the working group, together with a core team of City officials and interested welfare organisations. The Executive Director for City Health, Dr. Ivan Bromfield and his staff will provide technical support.

“This policy reflects the City of Cape Town’s concern with the humane treatment of animals and the importance of securing protective guidelines in legislation. The City is eager to hear the views of all interested parties and these workshops afford animal welfare organisations and concerned members of the public the opportunity to play a role in drafting the policy. I urge all interested parties to attend so that they can address issues of concern and assist in defining the policy’s parameters. The Department of Agriculture has also started to develop an Animal Care Policy for South Africa and this will guide us in our process,” said Councillor Vos.

The working group’s first workshop has been scheduled for Tuesday 10 May at 13:30. Input will be gathered from all roleplayers as to the proposed scope of the policy. The workshop will be held in Room 1, 6th Floor, Podium Block, Civic Centre, Hertzog Boulevard. Registration will take place from 13:00 – 13:30 and light refreshments will be served.

 Interested welfare organisations and individuals who would like to participate in the workshop are requested to register by e-mailing .

 Organisations or individuals who would like to deliver presentations to the working group are welcome to do so, and will be allocated 10 minutes for their presentation.

 Written submissions can also be sent to and will be considered.

 A range of issues will be considered at the workshop, including:

  • Key objectives for the development of a policy of this nature
  • Guiding principles for animal care
  • Types of animals to be included in the policy
  • Identification of activities requiring codes of conduct or guidelines
  • Establishment of standards
  • Formulation of an Animal Care Advisory Committee
  • Identification of capacity within the various structures

 The working group will evaluate all of the information gathered from presentations and a decision will be made as to how to proceed with the development of the policy.

 Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town

 Media enquiries: Councillor James Vos, Chairperson: Health Portfolio Committee, Tel: or Cell: