Windhoek City Council Rejects Proposed Dog Tax Amid Feasibility Concerns. On Thursday, the Windhoek City Council rejected a proposal to implement a dog tax and enforce stricter pet regulations, citing various practical concerns. The proposal aimed to address public safety and health issues surrounding the approximately 20,000 dogs in the city, many of which are not properly trained or managed
The proposed regulations would have required dog owners to pay an annual tax, obtain a fitness certificate through property inspections, and ensure proper waste disposal. Additionally, restrictions on dog behavior would have been enforced, including limiting nuisance barking and discouraging aggressive behavior. The proposal also suggested the city provide waste bins along walkways for dog waste, adding to concerns about resource allocation.
Several councillors, including Job Amupanda, strongly opposed the plan, highlighting the difficulties in enforcing such measures and the historical context of the dog tax, which had colonial origins. Amupanda noted that the proposal would be unrealistic to implement, especially with the city’s existing resource limitations. Councillor Skrywer also expressed concerns, questioning whether the city would be required to replace noisy dog breeds with quieter ones.
Ultimately, the council decided to reject the proposal, emphasizing that while the safety and well-being of both pets and residents remain important, the measures outlined would be challenging to implement effectively without adequate resources or infrastructure. This decision marks a continued debate over how to balance animal welfare with practical governance in the city.
