News / National
Bulawayo council enforces dog tie-up order
07 May 2025 at 09:33hrs | Views
The Bulawayo City Council has launched a month-long operation to enforce a dog tie-up order as part of efforts to control the growing population of stray dogs and curb the increase in dog bite incidents across the city.
The operation, which began on May 5 and is set to run until June 5, is being conducted in partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The move comes amid growing concern over a spike in dog bites and the potential for rabies outbreaks.
In a public notice to residents, the council said the enforcement of the tie-up order requires all dog owners to ensure that their animals are kept within enclosed premises at all times. Failure to comply will result in the animals being put down.
"In implementing the tie-up order, council is compelling residents to ensure that their dogs are kept within enclosed perimeters as the city is recording an increase in dog bites, raising concerns over an outbreak of rabies," the statement read.
The crackdown will also involve the enforcement of existing dog licensing and control by-laws. Under these regulations, all dogs must be registered and properly restrained to avoid becoming a public hazard.
The city authorities have expressed concern that the rise in stray dogs roaming the streets not only endangers residents but also puts public health at risk, especially in the event of an uncontrolled rabies outbreak.
Officials warned that dog owners who fail to comply with the order will have their pets shot as part of the enforcement process.
The council urged residents to take the directive seriously and ensure that their dogs are either tethered or securely confined within their yards to avoid penalties and the loss of their animals.
This latest clampdown follows repeated appeals by city health officials for responsible pet ownership, with particular emphasis on controlling breeding, preventing strays, and protecting the public from potential zoonotic diseases.
The operation, which began on May 5 and is set to run until June 5, is being conducted in partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The move comes amid growing concern over a spike in dog bites and the potential for rabies outbreaks.
In a public notice to residents, the council said the enforcement of the tie-up order requires all dog owners to ensure that their animals are kept within enclosed premises at all times. Failure to comply will result in the animals being put down.
"In implementing the tie-up order, council is compelling residents to ensure that their dogs are kept within enclosed perimeters as the city is recording an increase in dog bites, raising concerns over an outbreak of rabies," the statement read.
The city authorities have expressed concern that the rise in stray dogs roaming the streets not only endangers residents but also puts public health at risk, especially in the event of an uncontrolled rabies outbreak.
Officials warned that dog owners who fail to comply with the order will have their pets shot as part of the enforcement process.
The council urged residents to take the directive seriously and ensure that their dogs are either tethered or securely confined within their yards to avoid penalties and the loss of their animals.
This latest clampdown follows repeated appeals by city health officials for responsible pet ownership, with particular emphasis on controlling breeding, preventing strays, and protecting the public from potential zoonotic diseases.
Source - newsday
