By Promise Dube
Bulawayo City Council will enforce a tie-up order from 5 May 2025, aimed at controlling the rising number of stray dogs in the city and reducing the risk of rabies and dog attacks.
The directive, issued in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Department of Veterinary Field Services, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), will remain in effect until 30 June 2025.
Under the order, all dog owners must ensure their animals are securely confined within their properties. Dogs found roaming the streets during this period will be shot.
City officials say the measure is necessary to protect public health following a surge in dog-related incidents.
“The City of Bulawayo has noted that there is an increasing number of people who are being bitten by stray dogs in the City,” said Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube.
Property owners are required to ensure their premises are properly walled, fenced, or gated. Hedges will not be accepted as secure boundaries.
“No person shall keep in the Council area more than two dogs on any property measuring less than 2000 m2 or more than four dogs in any property above 2000m2. No person shall allow his/her dog(s) to roam outside his premises without restraint,” said Dube.
Households with more dogs than legally permitted are encouraged to surrender the excess to the SPCA on Magazine Road, Thorngrove, before the order comes into force.
Residents are also reminded that all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed, as stipulated in the Bulawayo (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws.