Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda
[email protected]
HWANGE Local Board has announced a raft of strict measures to control roaming and unrestrained dogs following an attack on a 12-year-old girl at Baobab suburb, in April, this year.
In a statement, the local authority said it was “deeply concerned” by the incident, in which the child was mauled by a suspected Rottweiler that had reportedly strayed from its residence.
Authorities said the attack highlights growing public safety risks posed by uncontrolled dogs, which have also been blamed for threatening livestock and general community wellbeing.
“In light of recent incidents, council is instituting firm measures to prevent a recurrence and to strengthen responsible dog ownership,” reads part of the statement.
In the measures which were put into effect from April 20, 2026, residents will be prohibited from keeping dogs on properties that are not properly secured with adequate perimeter fencing, durawalls or other suitable containment structures. All dog owners will be required to keep their animals within gated and enclosed yards at all times.
Council warned that stray and roaming dogs will be impounded in line with municipal by-laws, while owners of uncontained dogs risk facing penalties that include fines or removal of the animals.
Residents have also been urged to construct proper enclosures before acquiring dogs and to engage council authorities where necessary. Those unable to securely contain dogs have been advised against keeping them.
In addition, the Hwange Local Board Municipal Police have already begun a dog census and property inspection exercise, which started on April 13, 2026. The initiative aims to ensure compliance with existing regulations on dog ownership.
Dog owners will be required to register and license their animals in accordance with council by-laws, as well as allow inspections to verify adherence to fencing and containment standards.
Council further stressed that no person is permitted to keep a dog aged six months or older without a valid licence.
Failure to comply constitutes an offence punishable under the law.
The local authority said the measures are necessary to restore public safety and promote responsible pet ownership across Hwange.
