Beware, Corporate Body Bullies!

(Download the pdf version of this here: Beware_Corp_Bullies)

In recent times, there has been a development in policies of residential complexes and retirement homes that has had a significant effect on many people’s relationships with their companion animals. In many cases the tactics employed by Corporate Body Bullies are underhanded, illogical and prejudicial.

This document will give people a cleat understanding of the variables involved and some strategies for dealing with these dubious tactics.

The Law.

Firstly one needs to establish whether the scheme within which one resides is a sectional title scheme, a homeowners association or possibly even, the now outdated, shareblock scheme, as each of these have specific laws, rules and regulations.

In most cases, residential complexes are bound by the Sectional Titles Act. In addition, Municipal By-Laws will apply, and it’s a good idea to have an understanding of both before deciding to buy or rent in a given complex.

Sectional title schemes are established under the Sectional Titles Act of 1986, as amended, and within this Act are prescribed management and conduct rules, the latter of which [annexure 9 of the Act] deals with pets.

The Sectional Titles Act (ST) includes the following clauses relevant to this discussion:

35 (3) Any management or conduct rule made by a developer or a body corporate shall be reasonable, and shall apply equally to all owners of units put to substantially the same purpose.

35 (5) (a) If the rules… …are substituted, added to, amended or repealed, the body corporate shall lodge Continue reading “Beware, Corporate Body Bullies!”

THE GRAVE OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

(People who work in animal rescue and welfare speak of the ‘war’ – it is a war against incredible odds with scarce resources and a never-ending time-frame. I’m not sure we’re winning it. – animalman)

Today I put down a dog. I don’t know if she had an owner and I don’t know if she had a name.

She was just an old dog, probably not nearly as old as she looked, who had spent her whole sad life in a bad place. She was very thin and had bad mange of most of her body, and ticks and fleas and worms. Her hindquarter had collapsed, partly from malnutrition and partly from bad arthritis from old untreated injuries. Her ears had been cut short and were eaten away by flies. Her teeth were stumps, Continue reading “THE GRAVE OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER”

Personal Philosophy of an Animal Lover

(I have for some time been an advocate for the principle “Let the Punishment fit the Crime” wih regard to crimes against te animal community. Hannelie Carstens, our new offline Spokesperson wrote this provocative essay, and it goes to the very core of the Hopeful Initiative – animalman)

The problem with living as a human being in the reference frame of planet earth is that while being equipped with a mind that has access to both the past and the future, one can live in the present only.

The best thing about being trapped in a human body while living on earth is the opportunity to experience the privilege of developing a relationship and communicating with an animal. This has been my saving grace during my sojourn in this body in this place in space and time.

The worst thing about being trapped in a human body while living on earth is seeing and hearing the things that human beings do

Continue reading “Personal Philosophy of an Animal Lover”