Source: BCC cracks down on illegal dog breeding – herald
Peter Matika, peter.matika@chronicle.co.zw
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has called for urgent regulatory intervention to curb illegal dog breeding within residential areas, saying the practice poses a growing threat to public safety.
The warning follows an increase in fatal dog attacks across the city with figures indicating that over 24 200 people were bitten by dogs across the country last year.
The matter came under the spotlight during a recent full council meeting, where councillors expressed concern over the unregulated breeding of potentially dangerous dog species in urban communities.
Proportional representation councillor, Perseverance Nyathi, raised the issue in the wake of a tragic incident in Douglasdale involving a two-year-old child who was mauled to death by four vicious dogs at a family residence.
Clr Nyathi said the tragedy had exposed serious gaps in the city’s oversight of domestic animal ownership and breeding practices.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the urgent need for councils to put in place strict regulations governing dog breeding, particularly for dangerous breeds,” she said.
Clr Nyathi warned that without firm controls, more lives could be put at risk, especially in densely populated suburbs where such animals are kept in proximity to children and other vulnerable residents.
She urged the local authority to develop and enforce a comprehensive policy that would not only regulate breeding but also set clear guidelines on the types of dog breeds permitted within residential areas.
“There is a need for a robust framework that ensures accountability among dog owners and breeders. We cannot allow a situation where people keep or breed potentially dangerous animals without any form of monitoring,” said Clr Nyathi.
She said the council must act decisively to restore public confidence and prevent further tragedies.
“This is not just about regulating animals; it is about protecting human life. Council must move with speed to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” she said.
Other councillors echoed her sentiments, saying there is a need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, including mandatory registration of dogs, routine inspections and stiff penalties for those found in violation of council by-laws.
They said the measures will support the local authority’s broader efforts to strengthen public safety regulations and promote responsible pet ownership across the city.
The latest concerns come against a backdrop of increasing reports of uncontrolled breeding and ownership of aggressive dog species in some suburbs, often without proper enclosures or adherence to safety standards.
Residents in affected areas have previously raised fears over their safety, citing incidents where dogs escape from premises and roam freely in neighbourhoods.
The World Health Organisation estimates that rabies causes approximately 59 000 human deaths annually across more than 150 countries, with 95 percent of these cases occurring in Africa and Asia.
Globally, several countries have enacted breed-specific legislation targeting Pit Bull-type dogs.
Twelve European countries, as well as Australia, Canada, parts of the United States, Ecuador, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore and Venezuela have banned or heavily restricted Pit Bulls.
In Australia, some states mandate sterilization, while the UK, the Canadian province of Ontario and various states in US have outright bans in place.
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