The Nelson Mandela Municipality announced the appointment of a service provider to manage a Pound.
The Pound will accommodate stray animals such as dogs, cats and livestock – cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, found roaming outside protected farming areas or beyond legally designated residential boundaries.
The service provider was appointed on the first week of January 2026, for about three years.
The Pound is currently being upgraded by the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services.
The Department will also provide a temporary clinic for the animals, until the upgrade is completed.
Babalwa Lobishe, the Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, said the appointment of the service provider marks a critical step in improving public safety and animal welfare across Nelson Mandela Bay.
“The uncontrolled movement of animals, particularly livestock, poses a serious risk to road users and residents. This appointment allows the Municipality to respond more effectively, lawfully and humanely to these challenges.”
In terms of by-laws, animal owners are legally required to keep their animals confined within approved and designated areas and to always exercise proper control.
“Livestock are strictly prohibited from roaming freely in public spaces, while domestic animals such as dogs and cats must be kept in a manner that does not pose a danger or nuisance to the public” said Lobishe.
Rangers are therefore, authorised to remove animals found in contravention of municipal regulations and place them in the Pound.
Animals impounded in this manner may be reclaimed by their owners upon payment of the prescribed impoundment fees.
Important number of Animal Control rangers across the Metro: 041 506 5413 or the 24-hour Service Delivery Line on 0800 20 50 50.
Picture: Supplied