Morocco
Stray Animal Law Sparks Fresh Debate Over Feeding & Care
Morocco’s new Law 19.25 is facing renewed scrutiny over restrictions affecting people who care for animals living on the streets. The law, which came into force in August, states that individuals cannot house, feed or treat a stray animal except within the framework established by the legislation. Debate is now growing over what this means in practice for people who routinely provide food, water and care to street dogs and cats, and what happens to animals when members of the public are prevented from stepping in.
South Africa
Cape Town Proposes Major Overhaul Of Animal Keeping Rules
Cape Town has opened public consultation on proposed changes to its Animal Keeping By-Law, including stronger powers to seize animals, new provisions covering animal inspectors and changes to pound holding periods. The proposals would reduce the holding period for small animals from ten days to seven and introduce tighter regulation of working animals. The scale of the issue is significant: during the last financial year the city’s Animal Control Unit responded to 9,499 calls, including 4,431 involving stray dogs and 2,839 involving dangerous dogs. Public consultation remains open until 29 September.
Ghana
Accra’s Stray Dogs Put Enforcement Of Existing Laws Under Scrutiny
The growing visibility of free roaming dogs in Accra is prompting questions about whether existing local rules on dog ownership, licensing and control are actually being enforced. Several Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies in Greater Accra already have by laws covering dogs, yet uncontrolled animals remain common in parts of the capital. The issue raises a familiar question in stray dog management: whether authorities need more legislation, or whether the failure lies in implementing the powers they already have.
USA
More Than 100 Animals Seized From Texas Wildlife Sanctuary
More than 100 animals have been removed from the We Care Wildlife Sanctuary in Bandera County, Texas, after authorities investigating alleged cruelty discovered animals in severely neglected conditions. More than 20 animals were found dead, including approximately 15 horses and two primates, while surviving animals included horses, goats, birds, reptiles and other species. The surviving animals have been moved for veterinary treatment and assessment as the investigation continues.
USA
18 Dogs Removed From Unsafe Conditions In Maryland
Eighteen dogs have been recovered from a property in Salisbury, Maryland, following an animal welfare investigation. Officers responding to a complaint found dogs living in unsanitary conditions, with a number reportedly appearing to be in poor physical condition. The scale of the operation required assistance from several agencies, and shelters elsewhere in the Delmarva region have subsequently stepped in to help accommodate the dogs.
USA
Ten Dogs Rescued From Horrific Living Conditions
Two adult dogs and eight puppies have been seized from a property in Stratford, Connecticut, after animal control officers reported finding them in what they described as horrific living conditions. All ten dogs were suffering from medical problems serious enough to require immediate emergency veterinary treatment. Authorities say the dogs have a good prognosis but are expected to require months of treatment and monitoring. The owner has reportedly been arrested on animal cruelty charges and the dogs remain in the care of animal control while the investigation continues.
End of Bulletin