City gives sheep owners 7 days to comply following enforcement operation

The City of Johannesburg conducted a multi-departmental by-law enforcement operation in Lenasia Extension 13 on Thursday, 14 May 2026, following complaints linked to livestock keeping, hygiene concerns and alleged unlawful business activities operating from a residential property. The inspection formed part of the City's ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, uphold municipal by-laws and ensure that residential areas remain compliant with zoning and environmental health regulations.

The operation brought together officials from City of Johannesburg Building Control, Environmental Health, Veterinary Enforcement, SPCA and CRUM Region G.

Officials discovered a large number of sheep being kept on the premises for qurbani purposes. The property owners claimed that they had never previously experienced complaints regarding odours or conditions at the property and suggested that the complaint may have originated from competitors.

However, City officials identified several by-law contraventions and public health concerns on site. According to Town Planning regulations, the property is not zoned for business operations or large-scale livestock keeping within a residential area.

Officials raised concerns that the conditions at the property could contribute to the breeding of rats, rodents and flies, posing potential health risks to neighbouring residents. Evidence supporting rodent activity was also identified during the inspection, including rat poison found on the premises.

The inspection further revealed poor hygiene conditions in sections used for slaughtering and handling animals. Spiderwebs were found near the slaughtering and hanging areas, while officials noted that deep cleaning and sanitisation of the structures were urgently required.

Owners were instructed on the necessary hygiene standards expected for facilities handling animals and meat products, including the proper cleaning and decanting of the affected areas.

Authorities also uncovered an alleged butchery operation being run without the required certification or visible hygiene compliance measures. Three large chest freezers containing meat products were found on the property.

Officials also found several rusted and unlabelled tin cans. Although the owners stated that the goods were intended for a soup kitchen initiative, the absence of labels made it impossible to verify the contents or determine whether the items complied with health and safety standards.

The property owners requested leniency until the qurbani period concludes. Taking into account the large number of sheep currently housed at the property, the City exercised discretion and granted the owners seven days to comply with municipal by-laws and relocate the animals.

Written by Dr Farhin Delawala
14/05/2026

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