ZIMBABWEAN lawmakers have expressed concerns over rising threats posed by dangerous dog breeds, calling on the government to introduce strict regulations and public health measures following a series of fatal attacks and rising rabies cases.
Shamva South legislator Tatenda Mapiki told the National Assembly last week that the country faces an urgent public safety and health crisis, citing chilling statistics and real-life tragedies.
In a motion tabled in the House, Mapiki noted the dangers and risks faced by the public as a result of attacks by dangerous dog breeds found within the communities.
He said while there were local authority by-laws providing guidelines for ownership and restrictions on dogs allowed per property, enforcement had been marred by inconsistencies, thereby giving rise to inadequate control of dangerous dog breeds.
Mapiki also expressed concern that most of the attacks by the dogs cause anxiety over the potential spread of rabies and other zoonotic or animal diseases.
He said some of the vicious dogs might not have been vaccinated, hence the need for victims to seek immediate treatment after a dog attack, but cautioned that medication for rabies is unaffordable for many citizens:
“Now, therefore, we call upon relevant ministries to raise awareness among dog owners on the need to have their dogs vaccinated from time to time; introduce regulations for dog owners which compel them to adhere to the law on the breeding of dogs and in particular, the pitbull; and avail rabies medication for free or at reasonable price in order to facilitate early treatment,” Mapiki said.
According to data from the Health and Child Care ministry, a staggering 635 dog bite cases were reported in just one week in January this year, 60% involving dogs of unknown vaccination status.
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“Human life is sacred, the sanctity of human life is a fundamental principle that must compel us to take decisive legislative action,” the Shamva South MP said.
Mapiki said rabies continued to be a silent killer in Zimbabwe, where medication is very expensive and unaffordable to the majority of Zimbabweans, leading to delayed treatment and, in some cases, death.
“We cannot allow a situation where a citizen survives a dog attack only to die because they could not afford the rabies vaccine,” he said.
“Of particular concern is the incidents of aggressive dog breeds such as pitbulls, which have been involved in several fatal attacks.
“In April 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Whitecliffe, Harare, where a nine-year-old girl was mauled to death by a pitbull.
“Weeks ago, another man and a baby were killed also by cruel dogs. This incident underscores the urgent need for strict regulations concerning the ownership and breeding of such dangerous breeds.”
Mapiki said while local authorities such as the City of Harare had regulations to control dog ownership, enforcement has been inconsistent.
“This lack of enforcement has led to the overcrowding and inadequate control of dangerous dog breeds, exacerbating public safety concerns,” he said
“With lack of enforcement, there are a lot of people breeding dogs in smaller premises without adequate drawers.”
The World Health Organisation estimates that rabies causes approximately 59 000 human deaths annually across more than 150 countries, with 95% of these cases occurring in Africa and Asia.
“Zimbabwe is one of the most affected countries. It is a further concern that rabies medication is very expensive and unaffordable to the majority of Zimbabweans,” Mapiki said, adding that Zimbabwe could learn from other jurisdictions which resolved to regulate dog ownership.
“Human life is sacred. The sanity of human life is a fundamental principle that emphasises the fundamental value of human beings and the ethical obligation to protect them from harm.
“While dogs are cherished champions, their potential to cause harm through bites and attacks cannot be overlooked.
“Ensuring human safety is paramount and measures to mitigate risks associated with dog ownership are essential to uphold the sanctity of human life.”
Mapiki said Zimbabwe should adopt a multi-faceted hybrid strategy that combines elements of both breed-specific regulations and behaviour-based dangerous dog laws, underpinned by strong enforcement and public education.
“This approach acknowledges the public concern regarding specific breeds while also addressing the broader issue of irresponsible ownership across all dog types,” he said.
“A key component of this strategy is legislative reform. Enact comprehensive national legislation that supersedes fragmented local by-laws, providing a clear and consistent framework for dog ownership control and public safety.”
The parliamentarian said government should invest in establishing training and equipping animal control units within municipalities and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to effectively enforce the new law.
