Killer pitbulls put down

In the aftermath of a brutal dog attack that claimed the life of 39-year-old Samuel Machara, the Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) has issued a strong statement condemning neglectful dog ownership and calling for urgent reforms.

The fatal incident, involving a cross-breed pitbull owned by 40-year-old Mike Mupinga, has sparked national outrage and renewed debate over the regulation of dangerous dog breeds. According to reports, Machara was mauled to death in an unprovoked attack at a residential property, sending shockwaves through the community and triggering swift action from animal welfare authorities.

The ZNSPCA confirmed that all the dogs involved in the attack have been removed from the premises and humanely euthanised due to public safety concerns.

"Initial assessments indicate clear evidence of neglect, confinement, and poor socialisation," the ZNSPCA said in a statement. "Such conditions are especially dangerous in high-risk breeds."

Animal welfare officers say the tragedy highlights deeper issues around irresponsible dog ownership, particularly involving untrained and poorly cared-for animals. The organisation took aim at backyard breeders, accusing them of fuelling a growing crisis by selling powerful breeds to unprepared owners.

"The unchecked proliferation of these practices results in countless neglected, abused, or abandoned animals. And now, as we've witnessed, loss of human life," the statement continued.

The ZNSPCA has urged the government and local authorities to clamp down on illegal breeding operations and unregulated dog sales, warning that failure to act will lead to more preventable tragedies.

In a rare show of force, the organisation also signalled its intention to support legal action against negligent pet owners, while calling for a complete overhaul of Zimbabwe's outdated animal welfare legislation. Among the reforms proposed are stricter penalties, including custodial sentences, for those who fail to meet basic standards of care and control.

Neighbours of the late Machara described the dogs involved as aggressive and frequently locked up, with some claiming they had previously attempted to raise alarms over their behaviour — allegations that further fuel public anger and frustration over enforcement gaps.

With mounting pressure from the public, the spotlight is now on Zimbabwe's lax dog ownership laws and the apparent lack of regulation surrounding high-risk breeds.

In its closing remarks, the ZNSPCA issued a chilling reminder:
"Don't keep what you can't control. Don't breed what you can't train. And if you can't care for it, surrender it. Before it's too late."