Bulawayo to shoot stray dogs

The Bulawayo City Council will next month launch an operation to rid the city of stray dogs.

The operation will run from September to November with the local authority warning dog owners that any dogs found roaming around will be shot.

The measure is being implemented following an increase in cases of residents that were bitten by stray dogs.

Bulawayo town clerk Christopher Dube encouraged dog owners to adhere to city bylaws and regulations that govern dog keeping.

He urged members of the public to get their dogs vaccinated as the department of veterinary field services will be undertaking a vaccination exercise for all
dogs.

"All dogs within the Council area must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies," he said

"Be advised that BCC, ZRP, department of veterinary field services and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to a tie up order from September 1
to November 30. During this period, any stray dog found will be shot."

Dube said the city's bylaws prohibits dog owners from allowing their dogs to roam outside their premises without leashes.

"Dogs shall only be kept where the property is secured with a fence or wall and is gated," he said.

"Dog owners and the general public are hereby advised that in terms of the Bulawayo (dog licensing and control) bylaws, no person shall keep in the Council
area more than two dogs in any property measuring less than 2 000 square metres," he said.