Bulawayo Councillors Propose Ban On Pitbulls

Bulawayo city councillors are pushing for a ban on vicious dog breeds, including Pit Bulls, following a rise in reported dog attacks and a growing population of stray animals in the city.

During a recent meeting of the Health, Housing and Education Committee, councillors warned that current dog control bylaws were no longer adequate.

The debate was prompted by an incident in Ward 19, where a stray dog bit five people before fleeing into the nearby Robert Sinyoka Village.

According to the city’s health department, all five victims received anti-rabies treatment. A joint search team comprising police, veterinary officers, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was dispatched to locate the animal.

Councillor Lazarus Mphadwe called for immediate action, saying dangerous dogs must be removed from communities. He said:

There are two dogs reportedly taken by the SPCA in Ward 19. Dangerous dogs should be eliminated. Banning vicious dog species should be done immediately.

His sentiments were echoed by several other councillors, including Councillor Adrian Moyo, who called for an outright ban “to protect the residents,” and Councillor Royini Sekete, who urged the Council to amend the city’s by-laws to outlaw the breeding and keeping of aggressive dogs.

In Ward 17, Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo added that stray dogs were not only attacking residents but also fouling public spaces.

Committee chairperson Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo also voiced her support for the proposed ban. She said:

The number of dog bites is increasing. There have been suspected rabies cases among stray dogs. If we delay the tie-up order further, more residents will be affected.

Town Clerk Christopher Dube also backed the calls to ban vicious dog breeds, revealing that new dates are being considered for the enforcement of the city’s long-standing tie-up order.

Dube cited a recent incident in Mzilikazi, where two aggressive dogs attacked police horses, prompting the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to recommend that the animals be euthanised.

He stressed that all dangerous dogs should be put down, warning that the growing population of stray and violent dogs requires decisive action from the Council.

Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou added that the Council would soon begin city-wide consultations before amending existing by-laws.

The proposed changes could result in a full ban not only on Pit Bulls, but also on other breeds deemed dangerous.

During a full council meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Perseverance Nyathi inquired about the city’s policy on the breeding of aggressive dogs.

In response, Councillor Adrian Moyo confirmed that the committee had already agreed in principle to ban Pit Bulls, pending further legal processes. Said Moyo:

As a committee, we have looked at the issue and we have unanimously agreed that the pit bull breed should not be allowed in the city.

However, we would like to do this in a manner that is procedural and in line with all stakeholders within the city.

We would therefore in the near future want to conduct consultations on the pit bull dogs and any other breed.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Weekly Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending 26 June 2025, a total of 458 dog bite cases were recorded across the country, with no related deaths reported.

Of the cases, 97 (21.2%) involved dogs that were confirmed to be vaccinated, another 97 (21.2%) involved unvaccinated dogs, while 264 cases (57.6%) involved dogs of unknown vaccination status.

The highest number of dog bite incidents this week was reported in Masvingo Province (67 cases) and Manicaland Province (66 cases).

Cumulatively, 14,880 dog bite cases and zero deaths have been reported to date.