Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu, Zimpapers Writer
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has put down 50 stray dogs in a 10-day joint operation aimed at curbing the rising threat of rabies and dog attacks in the city.
The exercise code-named “Dog Tie-Up Order” ran from July 21 to 31 and was conducted in partnership with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Department of Veterinary Services and police.
According to BCC’s newsletter Masiyephambili, Bulawayo has in recent months been grappling with a surge in dog bites, many involving unvaccinated and illegally owned animals. Between January and June this year, the city recorded 381 dog bite incidents.
BCC’s cleansing superintendent, Mr Nkanyiso Ndlovu, said the operation targeted unrestrained and aggressive animals roaming in residential areas.
“The Dog Tie-Up Order has been largely successful to date. More than 50 stray dogs have been put to sleep, significantly reducing the immediate threat posed by unrestrained and aggressive animals,” he said.
“Working in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the city has covered 20 wards so far.”
Mr Ndlovu said the local authority intended to safeguard public health safety.
“The primary motivation for implementing the Dog Tie-Up Order is to safeguard public health and safety. Over the past few years, the number of dog bite incidents has risen to unacceptably high levels, causing physical injuries, emotional distress and financial burdens for victims and their families,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said the urgency of the operation was necessitated by six confirmed rabies cases in dogs and one human rabies death in the city.
“Considering that even a single rabies case is a serious public health emergency, these findings underscored the urgent need for decisive action,” he said,
Mr Ndlovu said the public response to the operation has been largely positive, with many residents requesting teams to visit their neighbourhoods to deal with stray dogs.
“This positive engagement indicates strong public support for the programme and recognition of its importance in improving safety in our community,” he said.
According to the latest council minutes, Bulawayo had been experiencing an increased number of dog bite injuries in the past few years with 698 injuries and 11 rabies cases recorded in 2022.
In 2023, there were 597 dog bites, whereas last year there were 751 dog bites and one human death. Latest council minutes show that dog bite cases are projected to cost the city’s economy no less than US$117 900 in 2025 due to medical treatment, loss of productivity and related expenses.
