Pet Policies in complexes are sometimes unjustified, based on general consensus of what "type" of pets are allowed/not allowed (breed, size, number of pets). This is based purely on perceptions of animal size. Its a well known fact that a "Great Dane" is a much more relaxed dog, than for example a "Jack Russel" or a small breed dog (pure bred or mixed). Most complexes have a rule for "2 pets only, under 30cm in height". This makes no sense as someone with 2 "Jack Russels" compared to someone with 2 (or even 3) Great Danes can have a vastly different experience when it comes to "nuisance barking" and "damage to property & garden". These rules are unconstitutional as it takes the rights away from people to choose their pets and it does not solve the proposed problem of "avoiding nuisance behavior". 

Pet Policies in Townships - there are currently NO laws/rules applicable to pets and animals in rural townships. There are no control and these animals have no rights - as in South Africa, animals are seen as property - which means you can do with them what you want. The cruelty and suffering of these animals is a disgrace.

Animal Rights and Pet Policies needs to be revisited in the entire country, on all levels of society. Animals have been seen as "non-important" for too long and there is enough and sufficient evidence that all animals feel pain, neglect, suffering, abuse, abandonment, love, loyalty = almost all of the human emotions. I do understand that in our country we have "bigger" problems relating to poverty, violence, GBV, crime, unemployment, equal rights, racism, property ownership, lawlessness (and the list goes on), but if our Government utilizes that money that all (or most) citizens of the country pay towards taxes and stop corruption and personal gain within the presidency, the government, municipalities (and the list goes on), there is NO reason why not all these social issues (including the rights of all animals) can not also be addressed.  

The LAWS MUST CHANGE - we need to put in place permits (based on actual facts - breed type, breed health, breed temperament, purpose of animal within the household (whether for protection, companionship, reproduction/breeding purposes) and impose restrictions (based on facts - animal health, owner knowledge, education on breed type (coat type, maintenance, food, size, manageability (size, containment, temperament, owner capacity). There will be never be "one-rule-fits-all" and therefore the necessary Councils needs to be set up (employment and revenue opportunities) and maintained and governed accordingly.  So many welfare organizations are generating income from donations, rescuing abused, unwanted and sick animals (due to lack of education, lack of compassion, lack of knowledge, greed) and all these donations are just funding a proverbial "black hole" - these donations could be better utilized because 9/10 times its recurring (for numerous reasons).  Then there are the "adopt, dont shop" where thousands are against the "breeding/reproduction" of animals. There are valid reasons for breeding with animals (not talking about commercial farm animals) - that will be another petition on its own as they also suffer neglect and abuse on an unsurmountable scale). This petition is referring to domestic animals (pets and companions - and partly also include commercial animals (chickens, goats, horses, cows, etc.).  There is a reason why a particular "breed" exist - for example "Golden Retrievers" or "Labradors" are mostly used to assist persons with disabilities - they were BRED in particular to perform this duty and these breed type and temperament specifically selected as most suitable. You have "Border Collies" bred specifically to herd sheep.  There are many more proven facts and statements relating to the "type of breed" and their specific purpose - this also needs to be addressed because 99% of the animals in shelters are animals bred (crossed and mixed breeds) by uninformed owners and ungoverned or uncontrolled breeding of animals for "financial gain".  IF we can get enough people to SHARE in the common principles then we can MAKE A CHANGE!  We can stop the breeding or animals for commercial / profitable gain, but retain the breeding that is done for a purpose.  We can stop the cruelty to animals in informal settlements and townships/suburbs by controlling the numbers, enforcing neutering and spaying of animals not suitable for "purposeful breeding".  There are so many options, so many solutions - we just need enough people to stand together, work together, compromise and find solutions.  This will free up an enormous amount of resources (people, donations, funding, time) to be put to better use, used for alternative purposes - can create job opportunities, additional revenue streams, etc. etc. etc.