The hardworking K9s from the Metro Police Department were taken for “walkies” at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens this morning and they loved it!
Cape Town, South Africa (27 October 2022) – Almost every dog loves to go walkies, so when we saw that the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police Department took their hardworking K9 unit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens this morning, our hearts nearly burst!
Whether you call it walkies or something else, the reaction your dog gives you is always the best. These K9s got the chance to just be dogs and we love it!
They work tirelessly to protect South Africans. This unit has played a role in over 200 drug-related arrests since July 2021. They also racked up 535 autonomous and integrated operations, as well as school searches and education and awareness displays.
“We are very grateful to the management of Kirstenbosch Gardens for facilitating this special opportunity for our K9s and their handlers. This is the second such outing for the team, and we hope to make it a regular excursion, particularly for the canines. They serve this city so diligently, and it is important that we invest in their overall health and well-being too, beyond just the day-to-day care,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
This is a rare treat for dogs in general. Usually, dogs are not allowed in the developed Garden or the natural area immediately surrounding the Garden as far as the upper contour path. According to SANBI rules, dogs may be brought in via Rycroft Gate (Gate 3), where they may be walked up to the 300 m contour path via the path through the Seed Orchard/Stock Beds.
You can see the Dogs Map for the dog-walking paths and dog exclusion zone. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and dog walkers must pick up and dispose of their dog’s litter. Visitors caught breaking these rules may be fined.
Take a look at Xena cooling off in a stream below.
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