bheki cele neighbourhood watch

Bheki Cele / Image via GCIS

Lockdown SA: ‘You can walk your dog around your house’ – Cele

Minister of Police Bheki Cele went against Mkhize’s initial statement, saying that dog-walking during lockdown is prohibited.

bheki cele neighbourhood watch

Bheki Cele / Image via GCIS

Minister of Police Bheki Cele said dog-walking is prohibited during lockdown. 

This comes after public outcry on Wednesday from many dog-owners concerned whether they could take their dogs out during the 21-day shutdown or not. 

A 21-day period of lockdown was enforced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, in efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus. All South Africans have been instructed to stay home and only leave for food or medication. 

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize early on Wednesday said that citizens may still walk their dogs, as long as a large group is not gathering. Mkhize says that gatherings as such would only further spread the virus.

Cele, a few hours later during the security cluster on Wednesday, said that it is not allowed during the lockdown, as it does not comply with the president’s measures. 

Cele: ‘You can walk your dog in your house’ 

Cele suggested quite a sarcastic alternative.

“There was a little story about walking dogs. There shall be no walking of dogs. You can walk your dog around your house” he said. 

Mkhize later took to the podium to provide some clarity. He said they later discussed the topic of jogging and taking pets for walks, and decided it best to withdraw the permission that was initially granted. 

Mkhize said that after discussions, they found that dog-walking would only be a distraction and would further hinder the measures that are currently trying to be implemented for the lockdown. 

Here’s why citizens find it necessary

Think about it, how many people do you know of who have one or several dogs? Quite a few right? 

Besides giving us love, playing, eating and sleeping, dogs need to use the “bathroom” so to speak, which is why many South Africans take them out for a walk every morning and/or evening. 

Many South Africans do not have the luxury of a sprawling backyard where their dog or dogs can freely go about their business. 

Many of us live in “quaint” apartments without a garden for our pets, which means, taking them out onto the road is pretty much essential. Not just for exercise and sanity, but to do their “business” as well. 

The concept of a 21-day lockdown may not seem too hectic to us but it is three weeks after all — which can seem exceptionally long for a pet who is unable to run about.