Bulawayo City grapples with surge in stray cattle

The City of Bulawayo is contending with an influx of stray cattle that have been invading both western and eastern suburbs in search of green pastures. With the ongoing drought affecting much of Zimbabwe, these animals have increasingly roamed into urban areas, leading city authorities to impound 28 cattle in the past week alone, which are now being held at the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) impound yard in Luveve.

City authorities have advised cattle owners to come forward and claim their animals within three months, after which any unclaimed cattle will be auctioned off. The City of Bulawayo's Public Relations Department issued a statement confirming the impoundment, encouraging residents who may have lost livestock to contact the impound yard promptly.

"We continue to educate the residents of Bulawayo and conduct awareness programs on the proper keeping and management of their animals," stated the council, explaining that this is essential for ensuring responsible livestock management in peri-urban areas.

While the impounded animals await collection, the city charges a fine of US$89 per day for each beast. If not collected within the stipulated three months, these animals will be auctioned off, as has been made clear to local farmers.

City authorities are intensifying patrols to reduce the presence of stray animals in residential areas. Residents have been urged to alert the council whenever stray cattle are spotted. Additionally, BCC is working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), and the Forestry Commission to conduct regular operations aimed at controlling stray livestock.

Several residents have shared their experiences with the challenges posed by these roaming cattle. In Magwegwe North, resident Mrs. Anele Mpofu described how a herd of over 30 cattle destroyed her vegetable garden, noting that the cattle often follow streams where grass grows due to sewage runoff. "The cattle wiped out all my vegetables," she said, highlighting the difficulty of keeping animals out of her yard without a fence or wall.

Similarly, in Killarney, Mr. Nicholas Moyo reported finding a herd grazing on his lawn, seemingly attracted by his green grass. "They had been grazing along a stream for a few days but have since moved on," Moyo added.

According to a BCC employee at the Luveve impound facility, the recent impoundment of 28 cattle brings the total held there to 95, including cattle, donkeys, goats, and sheep. "When your cattle are impounded and brought here, you pay US$89 per day per animal. After receiving an invoice, payment is made at the BCC Tower Block, and you can then collect the animals," explained the official.

Last year, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development directed local authorities to impound and auction stray cattle to curb the spread of diseases such as theileriosis, a tick-borne disease. The Zimbabwe Farmers Union has expressed concern over unattended livestock straying into urban areas, which can lead to road accidents, especially at night. The Department of Veterinary Services has also urged farmers to secure their animals overnight and monitor them during the day to prevent such incidents.

As Bulawayo continues to face the impact of drought, city authorities and residents alike are seeking solutions to manage the challenges posed by stray livestock in urban areas.