Nelson Mandela Bay to abolish dog tax

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Port Elizabeth - The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality is to scrap the dog tax it currently levies to residents in certain parts of the metro.

Municipal spokesperson Kupido Baron announced on Wednesday that dog tax would be abolished as from 1 January 2010 to address the fact that the payment of dog tax does not apply to all ratepayers within the city.

"This will undoubtedly bring relief to dog-loving residents who would like to free up some cash," he said.

According to Mr Kupido, dog tax was being collected only in areas that fell under the former Port Elizabeth Municipality before the establishment of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on 5 December 2000.

However, residents living in certain townships as well as sections of Uitenhage and Despatch, which falls under the same municipality, do not pay for their animals.

"This decision was accepted in principle during the sitting of the Mayoral Committee and the Budget and Treasury committee to essentially ensure that all residents are treated equally," Mr Kupido explained.

He further said that one of the recommendations clearly states that existing functions of dog control and pound services would be maintained.

Mr Kupido hoped that this recommendation would satisfy those with reservations that the abolishment of dog tax would automatically lead to an increase in the dog population.

"It is expected that this decision will be endorsed during a full sitting of Council," he concluded.