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19.04.2024 | Compliance with the Animal Improvement Act, No 62 of 1998

COMPLIANCE WITH THE ANIMAL IMPROVEMENT ACT, No 62 of 1998
IMPORTATION OF DOGS INTO SOUTH AFRICA FROM 1 APRIL 2024
 
The directive issued by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD) on 23 March 2024 and media statement of 10 April 2024, has reference.
 
A delegation of the Kennel Union met with the appropriate officials in the DALRRD on Friday, 12 April 2024, with a view to finding a solution to the imminent or near-imminent arrival of dogs imported on the strength of Veterinary Import Permits which, at the time of issue, were not required to be supported by a permit from the DALRRD attesting to the importer’s compliance with the Animal Improvement Act. We are pleased to advise that the officials of the DALRRD were receptive to KUSA’s appeal to, as an interim measure, compromise on the 30-days turnaround for issuing the Animal Improvement Permit and the DALRRD undertook to fast-track any urgent application, if brought to its attention.
 
During discussions it was agreed to recommend the following procedure to KUSA members who intend acquiring an Animal Improvement Permit from the DALRRD prior to applying for a Veterinary Import Permit:
 
• Obtain the required Application Form for an Animal Improvement Permit from the DALRRD
• Complete the required sections of the Application Form
• Scan and send the Application Form to KUSA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., accompanied by Proof of Payment for R200.00 paid into KUSA’s bank account, using the payment reference “[Mem No.] – DALRRD Import Permit”.
• Upon receipt, KUSA, as the DALRRD-registered Breeders’ Society, shall attest to the member’s compliance with the Animal Improvement Act and return a scan of the signed and stamped Application Form to the member for submission to the DALRRD.
• The DALRRD provided the following three email addresses for the submission of applications:
 
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19.04.2024 | DALRRD Media Statement

 
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MEDIA STATEMENT 10 APRIL 2024
 
THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INTRODUCES NEW DIRECTIVES FOR THE IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF LIVE ANIMALS
 
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) would like to alert importers and exporters of live animals about the newly introduced directive in respect to authorisation required for the purposes of importation and/or exportation of live animals.
 
The newly introduced directive is in line with the requirement for import authorisation for live animals in terms of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act No. 62 of 1998) (AIA) and it is aimed at intensifying compliance with Section 16 of the AIA. Authorisation for the importation and exportation of live animals and related genetic materials must be applied for in terms of the AIA.
 
This includes all existing veterinary import permits, which were issued prior 1 April 2024. In the case of new applications, the Animal Improvement Permit/authorisation must be applied for first, and the AIA Permit/authorisation must be attached to the application for the Veterinary Import Permit submitted to the department.
 
In the case of veterinary import permits issued prior 1 April 2024 under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), importers/exporters must please ensure that they include copies of the valid AIA permits.
 
Game and/or wild animals, as well as animals such as cats, birds and fish do not require an AIA Permit/authorisation for importation
 
Issued by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development:
• Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson: Mr Reggie Ngcobo, 066 298 0980 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Eviction Toll-free Number: 0800 007 095
 

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01) The importance of Health Screening Tests

Posted in Canine Health

The Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) is the oldest dog registry in Southern Africa and celebrates its 121st Year in 2012.  The Kennel Union is a member of the FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale (International Canine Federation) and is the only South African registry recognised by the Kennel Clubs of the United Kingdom, America, Australia and New Zealand.  Only KUSA Export Pedigrees are accepted by these registries for re-registration purposes.

The Kennel Union is not only a registry for purebred dogs but is also the governing body for dog related sports such as Agility, Flyball, Carting, Obedience, Dog Jumping, Working Trials, Breed Conformation Shows etc. and is the custodian of the Breed Standards for purebred dogs in South Africa.

Whilst one of the main functions of the Kennel Union is to maintain a registry of the ancestry of purebred dogs in South Africa, the Kennel Union also plays a role in encouraging and promoting the responsible breeding of purebred dogs and promoting the breeding of healthy and well-adjusted puppies.  This is achieved via several initiatives that are supported by the members and which show their  commitment to adhering to sound and well established principles.  The Kennel Union is one of the few registries in South Africa to insist that all puppies be micro-chipped in order to be registered, which is the responsible thing to do, in view of the many dogs that are having to be re-homed or euthanized because of an inability to find the owner of breeder.

What differentiates the Kennel Union from other registries is that it not only records the ancestry of dogs but also maintains  a database of health screening test results for hereditary diseases that can be tested for by means of DNA and/or clinical tests.  Test results for Hip Dysplasia & Elbow Dysplasia are reflected on the Certificate of Registration (Pedigree), whereas all other test results are reflected on the Annex to the Certificate of Registration (Health Certificates) for dogs that have been tested.  Such information is of great importance when selecting dogs for breeding purposes to assist in reducing the number of dogs born with hereditary diseases.

The KUSA Annex to the Certificate of Registration (Health Certificate) has been widely accepted and has become very popular.  When purchasing a purebred puppy, breeders should be asked if the  parents have been screened for any hereditary conditions and if a KUSA Health Certificate is available for scrutiny.  A wide variety of DNA-based tests are now available to breeders.  This will reduce the risk of acquiring a dog  that may develop a debilitating hereditary condition, which may result in unnecessary suffering and financial distress at a later stage. 

You should determine whether the breed you are interested in, is predisposed to any hereditary conditions, ascertain whether there are any tests available to determine the status of the parents (clear, affected or carrier) and ask to see health test results.