By Savious Madanhire
In response to the growing concern over stray dogs roaming the city, the City of Gweru has issued a notice to dog owners, outlining key regulations and actions to address the issue.
A notice, signed by Acting Town Clerk L. Churu, seen by this reporter highlights the increasing number of residents being bitten by stray dogs in the city.
However, to mitigate this problem, the council has emphasized the importance of dog owners adhering to the Gweru (Dog Licensing and Control) By-Laws.
“According to the by-laws, “No person shall keep in the Council Area more than two dogs on any property measuring less than 2000 square meters or more than four in an area above 2000 square meters.
Additionally, dogs shall only be kept where the property is securely fenced, walled, and gated, with hedges not being permissible,” reads the notice.
Furthermore, all dogs within the council area must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed.
The City of Gweru, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Childcare, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Department of Veterinary Services Field Services, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), will conduct awareness campaigns from 27 March 2025 to 30 April 2025 whereas vaccination will take place from 14 April 2025 to 28 April 2025.
Dog owners are warned that unsecured premises and excess dogs found roaming will be considered stray and will be shot.
“Dog owners with premises that are not secure are required to render their premises secure and those with more than the permissible number are advised to surrender the excess dogs to their friends, transfer to other premises, or SPCA (Mvuma Road, After Show Grounds) before 30 April 2025,” adds the notice.
This move is to ensure public safety and curb the spreading of rabies in the Gweru community.
