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Gibson Mhaka
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) intends to introduce a “tie-up order” where stray dogs will be shot as part of efforts by the local authority to reduce the spread of rabies and control the growing population of dogs roaming the streets.
The local authority has over the years implemented the dog tie up order to control the number of stray dogs and reduce the spread of rabies.
According to the latest Council minutes, Ward 29 Councillor Rowen Sekete raised concerns on the increase in the number of stray dogs in the city and sought clarification on why the stray dogs were not being shot.
“Councillor R. Sekete raised concern about the increasing number of stray dogs in the city. He feared that the City could face a rabies disease outbreak. Councillor Felix Takundwa Madzana (Ward 18) concurred.
“Most of these stray dogs were scavengers. The stray dogs contributed to littering in the city. The dogs moved around tearing refuse bags in high density areas,” the minutes read in part.
In response to concerns about the proposed dog cull, Director of Health Services, Dr Edwin Sibanda, explained that the number of stray dogs had increased.
“The last tie-up order was done 3 years ago. Considerations were being made for a tie-up order. A number of stakeholders were being engaged,” he explained.
Packs of vicious dogs are often seen in almost all residential suburbs roaming aimlessly and scavenging for food.
The City’s by-laws prohibit dog owners from allowing their dogs to roam outside their premises without restraints.
Meanwhile, last week residents of Pumula South suburb claimed they were living in fear of five vicious dogs belonging to a local family which have terrorized the area by biting people and enforcing a curfew through fear.
The residents pushed for the seizure of the five dogs which have reportedly turned the suburb into a zone of fear attacking people on several occasions.
Online Reporter