Zim GBC News | Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
BULAWAYO – A wave of fear is sweeping through Bulawayo as packs of stray dogs terrorize neighbourhoods, attacking residents and raising the spectre of a rabies outbreak, with the city having recorded over 425 dog bite cases in the first seven months of this year.
The situation has turned evening walks into perilous undertakings, with several residents sharing their harrowing experiences. Patrick Moyo from Khumalo was attacked while returning from work.
“I was coming from work when a stray dog came out of nowhere and bit me on the leg,” Moyo recounted.
“I managed to chase it away, but the pain was terrible. I went to the hospital for treatment, and luckily, I did not suffer any serious injuries or infections.”
In Killarney, Patience Ngulube survived a similar ordeal.
“I was just going to the shops when a dog suddenly jumped on me and bit my arm. I ran for help, and people nearby came to my rescue,” she said.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has issued a grave warning, confirming that most stray dogs in the city are unvaccinated, creating a high-risk environment for rabies transmission. One confirmed rabies death has already been reported.
Inspector Dumisani Sibanda of the SPCA identified Bulawayo as a rabies hotspot.
“Almost three-quarters of dogs are not vaccinated and have rabies in Bulawayo,” Sibanda stated.
“Most stray dogs bite people from ages 5 to 14 years, nearly 80 percent.”
He detailed the joint efforts with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to manage the crisis, saying,
“To protect people, traps are being made for dogs so that when they are caught, they are vaccinated at the SPCA.”
Sibanda urged pet owners to act responsibly, emphasizing that dogs must be vaccinated and licensed from three months of age.
The council’s enforcement of a Dog Tie-Up Order in July, which led to 79 dogs being euthanized, has been a contentious measure. While it resulted in a drop in bite cases from 71 in July to 62 in August, it sparked debate among councillors.
Ward 25 Councillor Aleck Ndlovu criticized the method, stating,
“Council should consider using tranquilizers.”
In contrast, Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Moyo defended the action, noting,
“Residents who fail to properly care for their dogs are leading them to stray… This has given Council no option.”
Local dog breeder Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube supported the council’s measures.
“The council is doing a good thing in controlling the dog population,” Dube said.
“Dogs must be kept safely within a premise… It’s good that the council has these laws so that dogs don’t spread diseases.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to ensure their pets are vaccinated, secured, and properly cared for as the city works on a new policy to control dog breeding and enhance public safety.
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