Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara, [email protected]
A 33-year-old woman has been sentenced to two months in prison after her vicious dogs escaped from her yard and bit her neighbour.
The neighbour sustained a deep laceration on the right thigh and was treated at Mpilo Central Hospital. The complainant later reported the matter to the police leading to the accused’s arrest.
Charity Sendamayi of Barbourfields suburb was found guilty of failing to secure her dogs and sentenced to two years imprisonment.
Bulawayo magistrate, Mr Maxwell Ncube, however, suspended the two months imprisonment on condition that Sendamayi pays a US$120 fine by 30 September.
Prosecuting, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu told the court that Mr Cosmas Madende was attacked by the dogs outside Sendamayi’s gate.
“The complainant who sustained deep lacerations, reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of the accused,” he said.
Following a spate of fatal and near-fatal dog attacks on residents, the Bulawayo City Council is drafting a policy to stop the breeding of vicious dogs.
The local authority also maintains that in many cases, the owners fail to properly secure their dogs.
The drafting of this policy to curb the breeding of dangerous dogs forms part of council’s proactive approach to residents’ concerns.
According to the local authority’s weekly newsletter, MasiyePhambili, the new policy would prohibit the breeding of Pit Bulls and other dangerous breeds.
“This comes as the city has recorded 425 dog bites between January and the end of July this year. During the same period, it has also recorded cases of rabies, one of which resulted in death.”
