Bulawayo, February 14,2025(New Ziana)- The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has issued a stern warning to dog owners, urging them to keep their pets securely confined within gated and fenced properties or risk having them put to sleep.

The move comes in response to growing complaints about the increasing number of dogs roaming the streets, many of which are causing nuisance to residents.

In a statement on Friday, Town Clerk Christopher Dube urged dog owners to comply with the city licensing regulations.

“The City of Bulawayo has noted that there is an increasing number of dogs being kept on private properties, and that these are causing a nuisance to residents. “Dog owners and the general public are hereby advised that, in terms of Bulawayo (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws, no person shall keep a dog aged six months or more in the Council area unless he or she is the holder of a licence,” he said.

Dube also outlined specific restrictions on the number of dogs allowed per property saying owners are prohibited from keeping more than two dogs on properties smaller than 2 000 square metres.

“No person shall allow their dogs to roam outside their premises without restraint. Dogs shall only be kept where the property is securely fenced, walled, and gated,” he said, clarifying that hedges are not considered adequate barriers.

He further advised dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies and that they are registered, with the fees pegged at US$24 for a male and US$27 for a unspayed female.

Dube said owners who can no longer care for their dogs should surrender them to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

New Ziana