STRAY DOGS TO DIE AS BULAWAYO LAUNCHES RABIES CRACKDOWN City tightens leash after 95 000 dog bites in 4 years rock Zimbabwe

Dalyn Chigwizura

BULAWAYO City Council has declared war on stray dogs in a ruthless new operation aimed at curbing a potential rabies outbreak — and the roaming canines will pay the ultimate price.
Starting Monday, the city kicks off a Tie Up Order that will run until 31 July, forcing residents to restrain their pets or risk losing them. Dogs found wandering the streets will be put down on sight, as council moves to slash the growing threat of dog bites and rabies.
City acting town clerk, Mr Makhosi Tshalebwa, confirmed that the clampdown is a joint effort involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Department of Veterinary Services, and the SPCA.

“No person shall allow his dogs to roam outside his premises. All dogs must be tied, fenced in, or kept behind walls. A hedge won’t cut it. Offending dogs will be put down,” he warned.
The brutal measure comes as Zimbabwe reels from a shocking 95 000 dog bites recorded between 2022 and mid-2025, a national health crisis that has already claimed dozens of lives.

According to Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, dog bites jumped from 25 057 in 2022 to 26 273 in 2023, then spiked to 30 363 in 2024. As of mid-2025, 13 537 cases had already been recorded — and two rabies deaths confirmed.
“The situation is dire. Most of the bites come from dogs whose vaccination status is unknown, with many roaming communities unattended. This increases the risk of rabies, which is nearly always fatal,” said Dr Mombeshora.
Bulawayo, while among the provinces with the lowest number of dog attacks, is not taking any chances.

Last year, the city recorded 597 dog bites and 751 in 2022, including one fatality. In just January and February this year, 156 cases were already logged. If the trend continues, authorities project the city will surpass 836 bite incidents by year-end.
The economic cost is also barking mad — with dog bite-related injuries expected to cost Bulawayo at least US$117 900 in 2025.
Under the council’s current dog control laws, households are only allowed two dogs on properties smaller than 2 000 square metres and a maximum of four on larger stands. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.
Residents are being urged to surrender excess dogs to the SPCA, with authorities warning that non-compliance will not be tolerated.

“This is about public safety,” Mr Tshalebwa said. “We are not going to compromise on health. If your dog is unvaccinated, unlicensed, or roaming, it becomes a threat — and we will remove it.”
As stray dog packs continue to scavenge through neighbourhoods, terrifying residents and attacking children, many welcome the crackdown.
“I’ve seen a gang of dogs chase a schoolkid near my house in Mpopoma. One bit her on the leg and just ran off. This operation is long overdue,” said a local resident.

But some animal lovers are calling for more humane solutions.
“It’s heartbreaking that healthy dogs are being killed because of human negligence. We need education and proper enforcement before resorting to bullets,” said a member of a local animal welfare group.
With thousands of unvaccinated dogs roaming communities and rabies lurking in the shadows, Bulawayo is no longer barking — it’s biting back.

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