A citywide operation in Bulawayo aimed at addressing the growing problem of stray dogs has failed to launch due to a lack of cooperation from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The initiative, called the “tie-up order,” was scheduled to start on May 5, 2025, and run through June 30, targeting the increasing number of stray dogs linked to rabies outbreaks and recent fatal attacks. However, the operation never commenced because the police did not coordinate with the Bulawayo City Council and other involved parties. During a full council meeting, Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu raised concerns about the ineffectiveness of the program, especially following a recent fatal dog attack in Harare. Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo confirmed that the campaign was not initiated due to police inaction, which was critical since the operation required police involvement for enforcement.
The tie-up order was a collaborative effort involving the Bulawayo City Council, the Department of Veterinary Field Services, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and the ZRP. It mandated dog owners to confine their pets to their properties, with unrestrained or unclaimed dogs subject to impoundment. The city has laws limiting the number of dogs residents can keep depending on property size, requiring all dogs to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Residents exceeding these limits were encouraged to surrender excess dogs to the SPCA shelter.
Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube had previously emphasized the urgency of the issue, citing a rise in rabies cases and dog bite incidents. The failure of the operation has caused public concern, especially in densely populated suburbs where stray dogs roam at night, creating fear among residents, particularly for children’s safety. City officials have highlighted that the setback underscores the critical need for inter-agency cooperation, warning that without active police participation, future efforts to control stray dog populations may continue to fail. It remains uncertain whether the campaign will be rescheduled or revised in the near future.
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