Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has raised alarm over the rising cases of stray dog bites in the city, warning that all stray dogs found roaming from May to June will be shot on sight while it enforces a strict “tie-up” order.

In a statement on Wednesday, town clerk Christopher Dube confirmed that stray dogs were now a menace in the second largest city.

“The City of Bulawayo has noted that there is an increasing number of people who are being bitten by stray dogs in the city. Please be advised that the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Department of Veterinary Field Services and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will be enforcing a tie up order as from May 5, 2025 to June 5, 2025. All stray dogs found during this period will be shot,” he said.

“Dog owners should stick to stipulated regulations or surrender their dogs to SPCA if they were failing to follow required regulations.”

Dube said dog owners with premises that are not secured are required to render their premises secure and those with more than the permissible number are advised to surrender the excess dogs to the SPCA.

“Similarly, dog owners who can no longer take good care of their dogs are encouraged to surrender them to SPCA,” said Dube.

He urged all dog owners to follow by-laws in a bid to protect the general public from stray dogs.

“Dog owners and the general public are hereby advised that, in terms of the Bulawayo Dog Licensing and Control by laws no person shall keep in the council area more than two dogs on any property measuring less than 2000m2 or more than four dogs in any property above 2000m2,” he said.

“Additionally, no person shall allow his dogs to roam outside his premises without restraint. Dogs shall only be kept where the property is securely fenced/ walled and gated and a hedge is not permissible. Dogs within the council area shall be vaccinated against rabies and licensed.”

New Ziana