Amend the Leash Law for Dogs on Muizenberg Beach
The Issue
We are residents of Muizenberg, Cape Town, and our concern is about the current by-law requiring dogs to be leashed at all times on most parts of Muizenberg Beach. The only section where dogs are allowed off-leash is also where people are frequently mugged at knife-point by criminals hiding in the dunes.
This situation not only restricts our dogs' freedom but also puts us, their owners, in danger. There has been a significant increase in muggings in this area over the past year. This law unintentionally pushes dog owners into an unsafe environment. We residents and dog-owners can regularly be found, in groups or individually, filling bags with piles of trash, in the interests of protecting our environment and keeping the beach beautiful for all. there are also regular dog-walkers who are NOT Muizenberg residents, who support the mostly dog-friendly restaurants and coffee shops on the beachfront. An added positive is that dog-owners get to know and connect with each other BECAUSE of our dogs. We are a community of residents (and visitors) who love and appreciate our beach and our furry children.
We propose that the by-law be amended to allow dogs off-leash, just for a few hours in the mornings and evenings, on other sections of Muizenberg Beach as well, similar to Camps Bay Beach's rules ("No dogs during 09:00-18:00 in November-March, free-running at all other times.") as laid out in this CoCT document: https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Dogs_and_%20Horses_on%20CTBeaches.pdf
This would provide a safer environment for pet owners while still maintaining public order and cleanliness. Our valued Law Enforcement officers could be put to better use by enforcing these times, patrolling the dunes and educating owners who do not pick up after their dogs, as well as those few who do not have sufficient control over their dogs.
We urge local authorities to reconsider this law for the safety and wellbeing of both dogwalkers and their pets. Please sign this petition if you agree with us.
1,880
The Issue
We are residents of Muizenberg, Cape Town, and our concern is about the current by-law requiring dogs to be leashed at all times on most parts of Muizenberg Beach. The only section where dogs are allowed off-leash is also where people are frequently mugged at knife-point by criminals hiding in the dunes.
This situation not only restricts our dogs' freedom but also puts us, their owners, in danger. There has been a significant increase in muggings in this area over the past year. This law unintentionally pushes dog owners into an unsafe environment. We residents and dog-owners can regularly be found, in groups or individually, filling bags with piles of trash, in the interests of protecting our environment and keeping the beach beautiful for all. there are also regular dog-walkers who are NOT Muizenberg residents, who support the mostly dog-friendly restaurants and coffee shops on the beachfront. An added positive is that dog-owners get to know and connect with each other BECAUSE of our dogs. We are a community of residents (and visitors) who love and appreciate our beach and our furry children.
We propose that the by-law be amended to allow dogs off-leash, just for a few hours in the mornings and evenings, on other sections of Muizenberg Beach as well, similar to Camps Bay Beach's rules ("No dogs during 09:00-18:00 in November-March, free-running at all other times.") as laid out in this CoCT document: https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Dogs_and_%20Horses_on%20CTBeaches.pdf
This would provide a safer environment for pet owners while still maintaining public order and cleanliness. Our valued Law Enforcement officers could be put to better use by enforcing these times, patrolling the dunes and educating owners who do not pick up after their dogs, as well as those few who do not have sufficient control over their dogs.
We urge local authorities to reconsider this law for the safety and wellbeing of both dogwalkers and their pets. Please sign this petition if you agree with us.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 28 April 2024