adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Residents here have challenged Beitbridge Municipality and the Department of Veterinary Services to urgently act following an increase in the number of stray dogs that are attacking people in the town.
The call follows a fatal attack on a Grade 4 pupil by two vicious dogs last Wednesday afternoon.
Nyasha Zaina was attacked by two Boerboels (breed) in Arcacia drive in the low density suburbs, while coming from school.
She was rushed to the district hospital by a Good Samaritan and died the next morning.
Acting district administrator Mrs Kiliboni Ndou-Mbedzi described Zaina’s death as disheartening.
“We have lost a young promising life to stray dogs, which could have been avoided had someone taken due care,” said Mrs Ndou-Mbedzi.
“We are appealing to relevant authorities including Beitbridge Municipality, Veterinary Services and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to urgently look into the matter of stray dogs and cats and other livestock,” she said.
“It is ideal to prevent a situation rather than reacting to it. We want to create a safe and secure environment in our town.
“All stray dogs must be destroyed, they are very harmful to human life, besides they spread diseases. We have noted with concern that women and school going children are the most of the victims of these stray dogs.”
Mrs Ndou-Mbedzi encouraged residents to keep an eye on their animals and ensure they were correctly and consistently vaccinated.
She said other than dogs, residents were concerned with the stray donkeys and cattle, which were causing a lot of fatal road accidents around the town and major highways leading to Harare and Bulawayo.
“It is our collective responsibility as a community to ensure that we keep our animals and livestock safe,” said Mrs Ndou-Mbedzi.
“At the same time we must comply with the laws of the land to avoid the spread of diseases and loss of life,” she said.
Beitbridge Concerned Residents spokesperson Ms Patricia Ndlovu said there was need for people to acquire basic knowledge and skills on management of dogs and other animals.
“People must know their breed of dogs and their reactions to people before taking them into their homes,” she said. “In addition, they need to have the requisite facilities for their dogs and pets rather than living them to roam the streets.
“The death of this child is very saddening and was unnecessary. The local authority and veterinarians should round up all those stray dogs and remove them from the streets,” she said.
District Veterinarian Dr Mike Narre could not be reached for comment.
Online Reporter