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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO municipality has embarked on an operation to shoot all stray dogs in the city to prevent the spread of rabies.
The local authority is carrying out the exercise in conjunction with the police, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals (SPCA) as well as the Department of Veterinary Services.
The exercise comes in the wake of an incident in which eight vicious dogs mauled a four-year-old boy to death before attacking another 10-year-old child, leaving him for dead.
Police have already pressed charges against the two killer-dogs’ owners, Ahmad Amon, 59, and Edward Murakatirwa, 33, and more people face arrest as it emerged that the dogs belonged to more than two people.
Masvingo City Council’s Chief Environmental Health Officer, Zvapano Munganasa, said there have been a number of cases of people being attacked by dogs in recent months, hence they decided to launch the shooting operation.
He said the SPCA alone was overwhelmed by cases of stray dogs partly due to financial challenges and as such council resolved to assist.
“This exercise is supposed to be done every year but sometimes we’re found wanting due to lack of resources. This is a warning to all dog owners. As long as the dog is outside the yard, to us it’s a stray dog and has to be shot,” said Munganasa.
Acting Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector, Kudakwashe Dehwa, said two people whose dogs allegedly killed a four-year-old boy recently will be taken to court by way of summons.
“The matter is still being investigated because it emerged that owners of the eight killer dogs were more than two. When police are ready, the two men and others yet to be identified will appear in court facing culpable homicide charges,” said Asst Insp Dehwa.
Online Reporter