The City of Bulawayo has raised concerns regarding the growing number of dogs being kept on private properties, with these animals becoming a nuisance within the community.
In a recent notice, Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube said that no individual shall keep a dog aged six months or older within the council’s jurisdiction without holding a valid licence. The notice reads:
<blockquote>
The City of Bulawayo has noted that there is an increasing number of dogs being kept on private properties and that these dogs are causing a nuisance to residents.
Dog owners and the general public are hereby advised that, in terms of the Bulawayo (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws.
1. No person shall keep a dog aged 6 months or more in the Council area unless he/she is the holder of a licence.
2. No person shall keep in the Council area more than two dogs on any property measuring less than 2000 square meters, and not more than 4 dogs on any larger property.
3. No person shall allow his dog(s) to roam outside his premises without restraint.
4. Dogs shall only be kept where the property is securely fenced/walled and gated. (A hedge is not permissible.)
5. Dogs within the Council area shall be vaccinated against rabies.
6. No person shall breed a dog or keep an unspayed bitch in the Council area unless he/she is a licensed breeder.
A dog licence is valid from (1 January-31 December) and can be obtained from any City of Bulawayo Revenue Office upon production of a valid vaccination certificate and payment of a fee of US$24 for a male dog and USD$27 for a female and an unspayed dog USD$27.
Dog owners who can no longer care for or need their dogs are advised to surrender them to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Residents and stakeholders are advised that the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Republic Police. Department of Veterinary Field Services, and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will respond to any complaints.
Complaints or queries can be lodged with the City of Bulawayo Customer Contact Centre on 02922 71290 (for all networks) or WhatsApp 0774 668 432 or email callcentre@citybyo.co.zw or the Health Services Department on 02922 72569, or 02922 75011 ext.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

The City of Bulawayo is concerned about too many dogs causing problems in the town. People need to get a license if they have a dog over six months old. They can only keep a certain number of dogs based on the size of their property. Dogs must be vaccinated, restrained on their property, and kept behind a fence or wall. If people can't take care of their dogs, they should give them to the SPCA. Complaints about dogs can be made to the city, police, vet services, or SPCA. Get a license from the city office by showing a vaccination certificate and paying a fee.

City Of Bulawayo Cracks Down On Unlicensed Dog Ownership

The Masvingo City Council is considering enlisting the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) to address a growing issue with stray dogs, following reports of 87 residents being bitten since the start of the year.
The rise in dog bite incidents has raised fears of a potential rabies outbreak, alarming city officials.
This week, the council discussed a recommendation from the Health, Housing and Environmental Committee to involve the army in controlling the surge of dog bites.
Mayor Councillor Alec Tabe indicated that the recommendation was thoroughly debated but ultimately sent back to the committee for further consideration. Said Tabe (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/masvingo-city-mulls-roping-in-army-to-kill-stray-dogs/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The matter (of roping army to kill stray dogs) yes was debated but it was felt that it is outside the army’s constitutional mandate to do so and the matter was subsequently sent back to committee without adoption.
</blockquote>
The mayor suggested that it would be ideal for the city council to engage the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Masvingo to address the issue.
However, he acknowledged that the SPCA is currently under-resourced for such a task. As a result, the council plans to devise an alternative strategy to effectively manage the stray dog problem.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending October 13, 2024, revealed that there were 604 reported dog bite cases, with no fatalities, during the week under review.
Among these cases, 113 were attributed to vaccinated dogs, 105 to unvaccinated dogs, and 386 involved dogs of unknown vaccination status.
The highest number of dog bite incidents were reported in Mashonaland East Province (114 cases) and Masvingo Province (87 cases).
Overall, the cumulative total for dog bites stands at 22,383 cases, with no reported deaths.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Masvingo City Council is thinking about using soldiers to help with a problem of stray dogs in the city. They are worried about people getting bitten and getting sick. The council talked about this plan, but some people think it's not the right thing to do. They might ask a group called the SPCA to help instead, but they need more resources. In a recent report, over 600 cases of dog bites were recorded, but no one died. The most cases were in two provinces in Zimbabwe. The council is still trying to figure out the best way to solve this problem.

Masvingo Council May Call On Army To Kill Stray Dogs

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said dog attacks have become a “serious matter”, with some owners of killer dogs having been charged with culpable homicide.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/murder-charges-for-killer-dog-owners">The Sunday Mail</a> that some residents are now breeding dangerous dogs, and in some cases, the pets are left unattended. He said:
<blockquote>
Some of the dog owners have been charged with culpable homicide.
This has become a serious matter. People are breeding dangerous dogs and instead of exercising maximum caution, they actually leave these dogs unattended, while others do not have the security needed for one to have dogs on their premises.
</blockquote>
It is now common for households to own breeds such as the pitbull, boerboel, doberman, bullmastiff, rottweiler and German shepherd.
A community in Southview Park, Harare, is now living in fear of vicious dogs belonging to a family that recently moved into the neighbourhood.
One of the residents claimed they now spend most of the day in their houses for fear of the dogs. Said the resident:
<blockquote>
They (the new family) have two big dogs and several puppies, which are making them even more aggressive. The dogs have attacked us on several occasions.
Talking to the owners is not helping, as they have only encouraged us to befriend the dogs to avoid being attacked.
We now spend most of the day in the house, while getting home late at night is now risky.
There is a real possibility of being mauled to death.
</blockquote>
Dr. Regis Murwira, a general practitioner, said that there has been an increase in the number of patients being treated for dog bites. He said:
<blockquote>
In the past, we would attend to an average of two or three cases per month, but in the last half of 2022, cases spiked to at least seven.
To attend to dog attack cases, the patient should have a police report. We administer rabies injections before attending to the wounds.
For a rabies jab, one should part with at least US$25, excluding the consultation fee.
</blockquote>
In 2022, a six-year-old girl was killed by two vicious boerboel dogs while playing in Goromonzi.
Before that, a 70-year-old man died after being severely attacked by stray dogs in Ardbennie, Harare, on his way home.
In 2021, a Grade Five learner died in Chegutu after she was mauled by three dogs on her way to school.

Bulawayo City Council Latest News

Latest Jobs