Article re-cap
- A resident in Durbanville received a notice under the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-Law for feeding birds directly from the ground.
- The City issued the notice to prevent health and environmental concerns related to uncontrolled bird feed and existing rodent issues on the property.
- Section 28 (2) of the Animal Keeping By-Law 2021 prohibits the feeding of wild animals that are not kept in captivity.
- Spokespersons from animal welfare organisations state that municipal by-laws against ground feeding aim to protect the public and wildlife from pests and disease.
A Durbanville resident faces potential penalties under the City of Cape Town's Animal Keeping By-Law after receiving a notice for feeding birds directly from the ground in her garden.
The notice followed a complaint from a neighbour who viewed the actions as a health and environmental hazard. The resident stated that nine Environmental Health inspectors visited her home but found no bird keeping, resulting in a clear report.
According to the City's mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham, the notice was issued to prevent further health and environmental concerns. Higham said the case related to the uncontrolled scattering of bird feed on a property that already has other identified environmental health nuisances, including rodents.
The notice, which included an inspection on June 1, 2026, stated that birds are fed directly from the ground in violation of Section 28 (2) of the Animal Keeping By-Law 2021. It ordered the owner to remedy conditions within 21 days and cease feeding any wild animals not kept in captivity.
GOOD Party secretary-general and City mayoral candidate Brett Herron warned that residents are at risk of facing a penalty if they feed birds. Higham responded by calling the statement an attempt at wilfully spreading misinformation and creating outrage.
Allan Perrins, communications manager for the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, said municipal by-laws prohibiting ground feeding are intended to protect wildlife and the public from pests and disease. Belinda Abraham, a spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said bird feeders are specifically excluded from the by-law relating to the keeping of wild animals.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to feed birds from the ground in Cape Town?
Under the City of Cape Town Animal Keeping By-Law 2021, feeding wild animals directly from the ground is prohibited. A recent case in Durbanville shows that residents may receive notices to cease this practice to prevent environmental health nuisances, such as attracting rodents or spreading disease.
Are bird feeders allowed under Cape Town animal by-laws?
Yes, according to a spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, bird feeders are specifically excluded from the by-law relating to the keeping of wild animals. This distinction is important for residents in areas like Bloubergstrand and Durbanville who wish to observe local wildlife.
What are the penalties for violating the Animal Keeping By-Law?
While specific fine amounts were not detailed, the City of Cape Town can issue notices requiring owners to remedy conditions within a set timeframe. In the Durbanville case, the resident was ordered to cease feeding wild animals and address environmental health nuisances within 21 days.
Why does the City of Cape Town regulate bird feeding?
The regulation is intended to manage health and environmental risks. According to the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, prohibiting ground feeding helps protect both wildlife and the public from pests and disease, particularly when uncontrolled feed attracts rodents to residential properties.
Source: northernnews.co.za
