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Toddler mauled to death by stepfather's 4 vicious dogs
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A tragic incident in Douglasdale suburb has left a two-year-old girl dead after she was attacked by four dogs that allegedly jumped over a fence and mauled her, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed.
The incident occurred on February 28 at around 10 a.m. while the child, Tanaka Dube, was walking with her 31-year-old mother. Her 44-year-old stepfather was reportedly inside the yard feeding the dogs at the time.
"She sustained injuries on the scalp, lacerations behind the ears, armpits, and on both legs," said Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele. The toddler was rushed to Mpilo Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries despite treatment.
The ZRP expressed condolences to the family and urged dog owners, especially those with large or aggressive breeds, to ensure their properties are properly secured to prevent animals from escaping.
Zimbabwe records thousands of dog bite cases every year, with children being the most vulnerable. Health authorities reported over 20,000 dog bite incidents nationwide in 2023. Bulawayo has previously seen serious dog attacks, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of municipal by-laws requiring secure fencing and responsible dog ownership.
Investigations into the tragedy are ongoing, and charges against the dog owner are likely, police said.
The incident occurred on February 28 at around 10 a.m. while the child, Tanaka Dube, was walking with her 31-year-old mother. Her 44-year-old stepfather was reportedly inside the yard feeding the dogs at the time.
"She sustained injuries on the scalp, lacerations behind the ears, armpits, and on both legs," said Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele. The toddler was rushed to Mpilo Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries despite treatment.
The ZRP expressed condolences to the family and urged dog owners, especially those with large or aggressive breeds, to ensure their properties are properly secured to prevent animals from escaping.
Zimbabwe records thousands of dog bite cases every year, with children being the most vulnerable. Health authorities reported over 20,000 dog bite incidents nationwide in 2023. Bulawayo has previously seen serious dog attacks, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of municipal by-laws requiring secure fencing and responsible dog ownership.
Investigations into the tragedy are ongoing, and charges against the dog owner are likely, police said.
Source - zimlive
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