Dear Fellow Petition Supporters,

“Friend. Not Food.” Says the law!

Today marks an incredible milestone for animal welfare in Namibia, and we at the Justice for Animals Trust are excited to share this significant news with you.

In a pursuit for justice for our non-human friends, we've been tirelessly researching the legal framework around animal protection in Namibia. 

After a detailed examination, we unveiled a remarkable fact that brings a new ray of hope in our battle against animal cruelty: the only notice ever issued in terms of the Animals Protection Act, 71 of 1962, was on 14 July 1972 (RSA GN R.1246/1972 (RSA GG 3612) the “Notice”). 

This hidden gem categorically prohibits the killing of dogs for the purpose of commercial utilization of their skin, meat, or any other body parts.[1]

In clear terms: any person who kills a dog with the intention of using the skin or meat or any other part of such dog for commercial purposes, acts in contravention of the Notice, is guilty of a criminal offence, and is liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment of up to six (6) months or both.[2] 

This is stride forward in our mission to protect the welfare of animals, especially dogs, in Namibia. We have always advocated that dogs are friends, not food. And this newfound legal support fortifies our stand. 

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Sally from NAWA who initially pointed us to this vital information.

Our fight against animal cruelty continues.

Best regards,

Adv Ronel Lewies

Chairperson, Justice for Animals Trust

 FOOTNOTES:

[1]        The Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (the “APA”) is concerned with the prevention of cruelty to animals. 

RSA GN R.1246/1972 (RSA GG 3612), gazetted on 14 July 1972, issued in terms of section 2(3) of the Act, prohibits the killing of dogs with the intention of using their skin, meat or any other body part for commercial purposes (the “Notice”). 

Section 10A of the Animals Protection Amendment Act 7 of 1972 (RSA GG 3414), made the APA applicable to SWA as of 01 January 1973. 

The administration of this Act was transferred to SWA by the Executive Powers (Justice) Transfer Proclamation (AG 33/1979), dated 12 November 1979, as amended

This pre-independence Notice issued under the APA in South Africa was made before the date of transfer of the administration of the Act (being 12 November 1979). Notwithstanding that it was not made explicitly applicable to SWA, it still finds application in SWA after transfer and remains applicable and enforceable in Namibia today.

 
[2]        Section 2(1)(s) of the APA provides that any person who kills any animal in contravention of a prohibition in terms of a notice published inthe Gazette under subsection (3) of this section (in other words in contravention of the Notice), “shall… be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred rand or in default of payment to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine.”