- Councillor Emile Langenhoven calls for stricter enforcement of leash laws at Alphen Greenbelt after incidents involving off-leash dogs.
- Langenhoven demands that law enforcement uphold the City’s by-laws to prevent further accidents.
- Residents are encouraged to report leash law violations and document incidents to ensure safety in public spaces.
Amid growing concerns about off-leash dogs in public open spaces, particularly at the Alphen Greenbelt, Ward 62 councillor Emile Langenhoven has called for stricter enforcement of Cape Town’s by-laws to ensure public safety.
“There have been several serious incidents regarding off-leash dogs, specifically at the Alphen Greenbelt,” said Langenhoven emphasising the potential risks associated with uncontrolled animals. “In one case, a horse rider was seriously injured when thrown off a horse because of an off-leash dog.”
The City of Cape Town’s by-laws state that dogs must be on a leash unless in designated off-leash areas.
However, Langenhoven has noted that many owners fail to comply. “The ‘my dog is friendly’ attitude is no excuse to disobey the laws,” he stressed. “It must also be noted that the City of Cape Town by-laws apply to all residents.”
Langenhoven has urged law enforcement officers to take a firm stance. “I have therefore asked our law enforcement officers who patrol our green belts to enforce the by-laws without fear or favour,” he stated. “We cannot have another incident that could lead to a fatality, and it is the responsibility of each resident to keep their dog on a leash, whether friendly or not.”
The dangers posed by off-leash dogs extend beyond human injuries. Many dog owners have raised concerns about aggressive encounters between pets.
One resident, who owns a rescued dog with behavioural issues, warned. “My dog is a particularly vicious rescue dog with lots of emotional baggage she has gained from living on the streets. She will attack and injure your friendly, off-leash dog if it comes into close proximity to mine, and the law will be on my side as the responsible, law-abiding citizen”.
Langenhoven has urged all dog owners to take the necessary precautions and abide by the rules.
For those involved in incidents with off-leash dogs, Langenhoven advises following a clear procedure. “Document the incident,” he says. “Record details such as the time, location, park signage, and any witnesses to support your claim of compliance with the rules.” He further urged affected parties to “report the incident to the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement or animal control” and to “consult legal assistance if necessary”.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any violations. “By working together, we can prevent future incidents and ensure that everyone can enjoy Cape Town’s beautiful open spaces safely,” he concluded.
