'Dog tax' in the spotlight
A proposed municipal by-law in Windhoek on dog ownership, taxation and animal welfare has sparked heated debate among city officials, activists and residents.The by-law, which proposes a dog tax, licensing requirements and stricter control measures, has been criticised, particularly with regard to the consultation process and its cultural implications.
Under the new by-law, dog owners within Windhoek’s local government jurisdiction will be required to pay a type of dog tax.
The by-law also requires specific conditions for dog ownership, including mandatory training to ensure good behaviour, restrictions on the length of leashes and the proper disposal of dog waste.
In addition, the by-law provides for the impounding of unlicensed dogs and imposes a hefty fine of N$5 000 for offences such as complaints of dogs barking excessively.
Another aspect of the by-law targets dangerous dogs and will require owners to “keep dangerous dogs safely indoors or tethered within enclosed stands”.
This has drawn mixed reactions, with some arguing that a ban on aggressive breeds should be introduced, while others believe that responsible ownership and training are sufficient measures.
There are also plans to erect special bins along walkways in an attempt to provide for the disposal of dog waste.
Opposition
Former Windhoek mayor and Affirmative Repositioning (AR) activist Job Amupanda is strongly opposed to the proposed regulation, calling it “ridiculous”.
“We don’t have toilets for people, yet we are going to build bins for dogs? This is an outrageous priority,” he said.
Critics argue that the regulation is “an updated version of the colonial-era dog tax laws that were initially imposed on indigenous Namibians to control their movements and force them into labour”.
“This regulation is an insult. It is a revival of colonial laws that imposed taxes on dogs and donkeys to control indigenous people,” Amupanda argued.
“Now they want to reintroduce this tax under the guise of regulation,” Amupanda said during the City of Windhoek’s (CoW) first council meeting last week.
He also criticised the consultation process, stressing that stakeholders such as local communities were not included in the consultations, while institutions such as the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPCA) and international counterparts in South Africa were involved.
“You plan to approve a policy that affects 20 000 dog owners, but no proper consultations were held. Only the CEO’s office, the SPCA and foreign municipalities were consulted,” he alleged.
Fairness
Controversy over the proposed regulations continues to grow with numerous questions about the fairness of a dog tax, the need for stricter conditions for owners and the cultural sensitivities surrounding the consumption of dog meat.
Amupanda demands that the regulation be reviewed and wider public consultations take place before the regulation is enforced.
“If we pass this today, every dog owner in Windhoek will pay taxes and worry about their dog barking.
“This is a serious issue and we cannot allow it to be pushed through without the people’s voices being heard,” he concluded. – [email protected]