Animal welfare organisations from across Durban are set to take to the streets next month in a bid to advocate for stronger animal protection measures and amendments to the city’s current animal by-laws.

The march, titled ‘Walking The Walk For Those Who Can’t Talk’, will take place on the Durban Beachfront on Sunday, July 19.

Organisers say the event aims to draw attention to what they describe as shortcomings in the existing municipal animal by-laws, which they believe focus more on controlling animals and penalising owners than safeguarding animal welfare.

According to Shaun Janke of the Durban Animal Welfare Network (DAWN), the current legislation treats animals primarily as nuisances rather than recognising their welfare needs.

“The current by-laws are directed towards controlling animals as nuisances. We believe in a different approach. Animals were declared ‘sentient beings’ by our High Court in 2017, which means they are entitled to the same protections as people. We would like to see our city by-laws amended to reflect this. While animal control is important, it should be balanced by an acknowledgement of animal welfare,” Janke said.

Animal welfare activists say the need for reform has become increasingly urgent as animal abandonment and neglect continue to rise in many communities.

Shabnam Baran of Stray Paws Animal Rescue and Welfare, which works extensively in townships and informal settlements, said irresponsible breeding practices and inadequate enforcement of existing regulations have contributed to a growing crisis.

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“We have seen a massive surge in roaming unsterilised and unvaccinated animals. This is causing a health crisis for both people and animals. We would like to see a mandatory breeding permit for anyone offering animals for sale, tighter enforcement of humane animal by-laws, and we are urging the municipality to create a system of subsidised sterilisation for indigent animal owners,” Baran said.

The march organisers intend to compile a petition containing proposed amendments and recommendations, which will be submitted to eThekwini Municipality for consideration.

Democratic Alliance councillor, Sharmaine Sewsunker confirmed that she would facilitate the submission of the petition to council once it has been received.

“We are awaiting the petition from the march. We will check the contents for any legal or regulatory concerns and then lodge it with council,” she said.

Animal welfare advocates argue that the current regulations are often impractical and can hinder efforts by rescue organisations working on the ground.

Niki Moore of Cats of Durban, a non-profit organisation focused on feral cat sterilisation, believes the by-laws are frequently used as a tool of intimidation rather than protection, particularly in under-resourced communities.

“The current by-laws are impractical and unenforceable. They impose one-size-fits-all regulations on animals with wildly different needs and behaviours. Our animal welfare NGOs do tireless work to help and protect animals against abuse and neglect, but these by-laws often work against them,” Moore said.

Moore also stressed that improving animal welfare does not come at the expense of human needs.

“Allocating rights and resources to animals does not mean they get taken away from people. Poor people also love their pets. And roaming, scavenging stray animals are a health and safety hazard. So it is less about spending money on animals that should be spent on people, and more about allocating resources so that both animals and people can benefit,” Moore added.

Organisers are encouraging members of the public, animal lovers, rescue organisations and community stakeholders to participate in the march and support efforts to create more welfare-focused animal legislation.

Those interested in joining the march can contact Niki Moore via WhatsApp on 071-932-8925 for further information.