Code of conduct for walking with dogs in the Cape Peninsula National Park
By Karen Gray-Kilfoil (Cape)
Karen has a B.A. degree in Social Sciences and Humanities, with special emphasis on social, developmental and educational psychology, including one year of biology. She has an Advanced Certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour and a Certificate in Animal Assisted Activities from the Ethology Academy, Pretoria
This code was drawn up at the request of the CPNP by Friends of the Dog Walkers. It is intended as a basic guide for CPNP staff and Park users. The suggestions were arrived at after consultation with vets, animal behaviourists, trainers and breeders; umbrella bodies for the various breeds and dog owners.
1) Dogs must be under control at all times. Dogs transgressing provisions of the code may be deemed not to be under control.
2) Dog handlers must always carry a leash.
3) Dogs must be leashed:-
If the handler is unable to control the animal or if it is vicious or otherwise dangerous.
While passing through any areas being rehabilitated and demarcated as such.
At the start of a walk, car parks and at access points.
While passing through densely peopled areas, e.g. picnic/braai sites or tourist areas.
When the handler sees wild animals.
Upon reasonable request by other park users.
Upon instruction from a Park official.
4) Handlers must be aware that not all people are familiar with dogs and be particularly careful with dogs around small children. They must be aware of their dogs at all times and not allow them to interfere with the pleasure of others using the park.
5) When meeting a leashed dog the handler of the unleashed dog must provide space for both dogs to pass without incident.Unleashed dogs must be discouraged from running up to leashed dogs.
6) Give RIGHT OF WAY to people unaccompanied by dogs.
7) Dog handlers must be responsible for removing their dog’s faeces from paths and public areas and deposit it in bins, where provided.
8) Bitches in heat may not be walked in the CPNP.
9) Dog handlers must ensure that their dogs do not chase or injure indigenous fauna.
10) Park Notices must be complied with.
11) Dogs may not go into the dams on Table Mountain.
1) Dogs must be under control at all times. Dogs transgressing provisions of the code may be deemed not to be under control.
2) Dog handlers must always carry a leash.
3) Dogs must be leashed:-
If the handler is unable to control the animal or if it is vicious or otherwise dangerous.
While passing through any areas being rehabilitated and demarcated as such.
At the start of a walk, car parks and at access points.
While passing through densely peopled areas, e.g. picnic/braai sites or tourist areas.
When the handler sees wild animals.
Upon reasonable request by other park users.
Upon instruction from a Park official.
4) Handlers must be aware that not all people are familiar with dogs and be particularly careful with dogs around small children. They must be aware of their dogs at all times and not allow them to interfere with the pleasure of others using the park.
5) When meeting a leashed dog the handler of the unleashed dog must provide space for both dogs to pass without incident.Unleashed dogs must be discouraged from running up to leashed dogs.
6) Give RIGHT OF WAY to people unaccompanied by dogs.
7) Dog handlers must be responsible for removing their dog’s faeces from paths and public areas and deposit it in bins, where provided.
8) Bitches in heat may not be walked in the CPNP.
9) Dog handlers must ensure that their dogs do not chase or injure indigenous fauna.
10) Park Notices must be complied with.
11) Dogs may not go into the dams on Table Mountain.
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