Zim GBC News | Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BULAWAYO \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was coming from work when a stray dog came out of nowhere and bit me on the leg,\u201d Moyo recounted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Killarney, Patience Ngulube survived a similar ordeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inspector Dumisani Sibanda of the SPCA identified Bulawayo as a rabies hotspot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlmost three-quarters of dogs are not vaccinated and have rabies in Bulawayo,\u201d Sibanda stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMost stray dogs bite people from ages 5 to 14 years, nearly 80 percent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He detailed the joint efforts with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to manage the crisis, saying,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo protect people, traps are being made for dogs so that when they are caught, they are vaccinated at the SPCA.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sibanda urged pet owners to act responsibly, emphasizing that dogs must be vaccinated and licensed from three months of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ward 25 Councillor Aleck Ndlovu criticized the method, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCouncil should consider using tranquilizers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Moyo defended the action, noting,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cResidents who fail to properly care for their dogs are leading them to stray\u2026 This has given Council no option.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local dog breeder Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube supported the council’s measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe council is doing a good thing in controlling the dog population,\u201d Dube said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDogs must be kept safely within a premise\u2026 It\u2019s good that the council has these laws so that dogs don\u2019t spread diseases.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective\u00a92025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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