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Oswell Moyo Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has shot more than 15 stray dogs in Cowdray Park suburb as it intensifies the war against rabies.
Council launched an operation code named “Tie up Order” on February 23 that is expected to run until April 22, aimed at enforcing the city’s dog licensing and control by laws stipulating that no person shall allow his dog to roam outside his premises without restraint.

BCC public relations officer Nesisa Mpofu told The Chronicle that they’ve shot more than 15 stray dogs in Cowdray Park suburb since the operation was launched.

She said stray dogs posed a health and public safety challenge to the city and its residents as it was difficult to trace their vaccination records.

“The exercise of shooting stray dogs is in full force. This week, we shot more than 15 stray dogs in Cowdray Park suburb. These dogs pose a danger to society as they don’t have traceable medical records. If they bite someone, it becomes difficult to trace the dog and their owners since they’re always roaming in the streets,” said Mpofu.

She warned residents not to allow their dogs to stray as they would be shot.

“We would like to allay fears; we will not just shoot any dog. People should tie their dogs and not let them out in the street because they risk being shot. This exercise is meant to prevent the outbreak of rabies,” she said.

Before carrying out the operation, BCC flighted a notice in The Chronicle warning residents that they will start shooting stray dogs to prevent bites and possible outbreak of rabies.

“The city of Bulawayo has noted that there is an increasing number of rabies positive dogs and people who are bitten by stray dogs. Dog owners and the general public are advised that in terms of the Bulawayo dog licensing and control by laws, no person shall allow his dog to roam outside his premises without restraint,” reads the notice.