In response to a series of fatal and near-fatal attacks by domestic dogs, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is drafting a policy aimed at stopping the breeding of aggressive dog breeds in the city. The move comes amid rising public concern over incidents involving pets attacking their owners or members of the public, highlighting the risks posed by poorly controlled and improperly secured animals.
According to the local authority’s weekly newsletter, MasiyePhambili, the proposed policy would specifically target the breeding of certain high-risk breeds, including Pit Bulls, while also reinforcing measures to ensure that dog owners adequately secure their pets. Council officials emphasised that the initiative forms part of a broader, proactive strategy to protect residents and improve public safety.
“This comes as the city has recorded 425 dog bites from January to the end of July this year and has also reported cases of rabies, which have resulted in one death. Across Bulawayo and other parts of the country, there have been numerous reports of vicious dogs attacking and, in some instances, killing people,” the newsletter stated.
The policy is being prompted by several high-profile incidents in recent years. In November 2024, Addelis Sibutha, a former director in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office during the Government of National Unity, was attacked by her Boerboel. She suffered deep lacerations to her arms, legs, neck, ear, and head, requiring four surgeries within 20 days at Mater Dei Hospital.
In 2022, John Gavhera, a resident of Selbourne Park, was mauled to death by two Boerboels, highlighting the potentially lethal consequences of allowing aggressive breeds to roam unsupervised. More recently, a Harare man, Samuel Machara, was killed by a Pit Bull owned by a resident of Bluff Hill, who was subsequently arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
Bulawayo City Council Drafts Policy to Curb Breeding of Dangerous Dogs
Globally, concerns over aggressive dog breeds have prompted many countries to implement breed-specific legislation. Twelve countries in Europe, as well as Australia, Canada, certain U.S. states, Ecuador, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and Venezuela, have enacted regulations ranging from outright bans to restrictions and conditions on ownership. In the UK and the Canadian province of Ontario, for instance, Pit Bulls are prohibited, while several Australian states mandate sterilisation and other controls for the breed.
Locally, the issue has been discussed extensively within BCC. According to the council’s September full council agenda, the Health, Housing, and Education Committee reviewed the problem of vicious dogs and noted that a draft policy on dog breeding is underway. Dr Edwin Mzingwane, Director of Health Services, confirmed that the policy is awaiting input from stakeholders, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and Veterinary Services.
As part of current measures to reduce dog attacks, BCC has been carrying out a Dog Tie-Up Order, aimed at controlling stray dog populations. In the last week of July, 79 stray dogs were euthanised, and the council plans to continue the operation into the final quarter of the year. Residents in western suburbs are limited to keeping two dogs, while low-density areas allow up to four dogs, Dr Mzingwane noted.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube emphasised that the proliferation of aggressive dogs is a serious concern, even for law enforcement, due to the growing population of dangerous breeds. He stressed that residents must comply with the city’s Dog Control By-Laws, and that failure to properly care for and restrain pets constitutes cruelty to animals.
“Residents intending to keep dogs must ensure that they are well controlled and do not pose a threat to the community,” Mr Dube said. He added that the council’s planned policy will complement existing regulations and provide clearer guidelines on which breeds may be kept, under what conditions, and with what responsibilities for owners.
The proposed policy has received broad support from local residents and animal welfare advocates, who say it is a necessary step to reduce the risks associated with aggressive dogs while promoting responsible pet ownership. By combining stricter breeding controls, limits on ownership, and public education, the council hopes to prevent further tragedies and improve safety across Bulawayo.
While the policy is still in draft form, its development signals the city’s commitment to protecting its residents from the dangers posed by vicious dogs, balancing public safety with animal welfare, and fostering responsible ownership in accordance with national and international best practices.
Source- Herarld
