In the last nine months, the City of Cape Town’s Animal Control Unit impounded 1926 animals. This included dogs, cats and livestock.

The Chairperson of the City’s Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe noted with concern that during the same period last year, only 554 animals were impounded.

Some of the animals confiscated were for attacking other animals or people or deemed stray animals and roaming the roadways. Nqavashe adds that the stats are “absolutely staggering” and place an immense burden on animal shelters and the City’s animal control unit.

If the impounded animals are not claimed by their owners or rehomed, they would need to be euthanised – a move Nqavashe says is not fair because animals deserve better.