Cape Town's first-ever domestic animals survey completed

Over a period of ten weeks, officials in Cape Town counted more than 32,000 domestic animals in 140 communities.

They made use of a combination of on-the-ground surveys, online participation, drone flyovers, and manual counts.

This not only provides an unprecedented snapshot of Cape Town's domestic animal population, it could also be used as a tool for shaping animal welfare, public health, and safety policies.

The survey launched sterilisation drives in Khayelitsha, Lavender Hill, and Philippi, where more than 600 animals received medical care and sterilisations.

MAYCO member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said they decided to conduct this survey to help manage zoonotic diseases that affect humans and animals, environmental health issues, and issues around dangerous animals and cohabitation with animals.

“You can't separate what affects your animal population from your human population,” Smith said.

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This survey did not manage to count every animal, but they do intend to work with Stats SA to get a better estimate in the future.

Alderman JP Smith, MAYCO member for Safety and Security, was in conversation with John Maytham on CapeTalk.

Listen to the full interview in the audio player for more.