Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has announced that it will enforce a dog tie-up order starting Monday as part of efforts to curb the growing population of stray dogs and reduce the risk of rabies and dog attacks in the city.
The operation, which runs until June 30 is being implemented in partnership with police, the Department of Veterinary Field Services and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Under the directive, dog owners are required to securely confine their pets within their premises. Bulawayo town clerk Mr Christopher Dube said dogs found roaming the streets during this period will be shot.
He said the city’s by-laws strictly prohibit dog owners from allowing their pets to roam freely outside their properties.
“The City of Bulawayo has noted that there is an increasing number of people who are being bitten by stray dogs in the city,” said Mr Dube.
He said this poses a serious public health risk, particularly the potential spread of rabies.
Mr Dube said property owners must ensure their yards are properly walled, fenced and gated, warning that hedges will not be accepted as secure barriers.
In terms of compliance, residents are reminded of limits on the number of dogs they can legally keep.
“No person shall keep in the council area more than two dogs on any property measuring less than 2 000 square metres, or more than four dogs on a property exceeding that size.
“No person shall allow his/her dog(s) to roam outside his premises without restraint,” said Mr Dube.
Households with more dogs than permitted are encouraged to voluntarily surrender the excess animals to the SPCA before the tie-up order takes effect.
Mr Dube also urged residents to vaccinate their dogs against rabies and ensure they are properly licensed, in accordance with the Bulawayo (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws.
The city has over the years battled an increasing number of stray dogs, which roam residential suburbs in packs, scavenging for food and posing a danger to both children and adults.
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.
In January and February, 72 and 84 cases of dog bites were recorded respectively. The number of dog bite injuries was projected at 836 at the end of the year. According to council minutes, dog bites were estimated to cost the city’s economy no less than US$117 900 in 2025.
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