Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Gokwe North Rural District Council has ordered the shooting of stray dogs in Nembudziya Growth Point and surrounding areas following a rabies outbreak that has killed two people and injured dozens since the beginning of the year.
In a public notice, Mr Tasiiwa Manyawu, speaking on behalf of the District Civil Protection chairperson, Gokwe North, said the District Civil Protection Committee decided to issue the directive after a surge in dog bite incidents reported at local hospitals.
“A total of 43 cases have been recorded at Mtora Mission Hospital and Gokwe North District Hospital since January 2026 to date, with 15 cases recorded on February 2, 2026 alone,” he said.
“Sadly, we have lost two lives this year due to rabies, and the committee cannot just watch while this continues.”
Mr Manyawu said police had been authorised to shoot all stray dogs as part of emergency measures to contain the outbreak.
“The District Civil Protection Committee is strongly warning all residents with dogs to keep them within their premises or even tie them, as all stray dogs shall be shot by the police,” he said.
The council said dog owners whose animals bite people will face stiff penalties, including covering medical costs for victims.
“If by any chance a stray dog bites anyone, that shall attract heavy fines by the owner and medication of the victim or victims shall be the responsibility of the dog owner,” Mr Mantawu said, adding that vaccination of all dogs remains mandatory.
Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution, with authorities warning that any dog could be a potential rabies carrier.
“The general public is advised to treat every dog as a potential rabies carrier,” Mr Manyawu said.
Rabies is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted mainly through bites from infected animals and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
Timely vaccination of dogs is the most effective way to prevent transmission to humans.
The Gokwe North Rural District Council said it would continue to monitor the situation and urged residents to cooperate with authorities to prevent further infections and loss of life.
