The City of Mutare has issued a dog confinement order with immediate effect, warning that roaming dogs are at risk of being shot.
The council issued the order in terms of Section 13 of the Mutare (Dog Licensing and Control) By-laws, SI 55 of 1986, on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
It said every dog within the city must now be securely confined within the limits of its owner’s premises.
The council said the order follows an increase in dog-bite incidents in the city. It also revealed that a stray dog captured in Hillsview/Linkview in Dangamvura on 18 August 2026 tested positive for rabies.
According to the notice, roaming dogs are at risk of contracting rabies and spreading it to other dogs and people if left uncontrolled. The increase in stray dogs has created a public health risk. The council warned that rabies is a fatal disease that can lead to loss of life in both humans and animals.
The city has given dog owners a compliance period from 14 to 27 September 2026 to fence their premises, confine, vaccinate and licence their dogs.
Under the order, all dog owners must confine their dogs within their premises at all times, repair fencing and gates so that no dog can escape, vaccinate every dog against rabies and licence every dog with the council.
Enforcement will start on 28 September 2026. The council said dogs found roaming during the day will be captured and surrendered to the SPCA, and owners will have to meet SPCA requirements to reclaim them.
Dogs roaming at night may be shot by duly authorised, trained personnel in line with the law and veterinary and public health procedures. Dogs that remain unclaimed after 14 days will be disposed of in accordance with legal and animal welfare requirements.
The council said it will work with the Department of Veterinary Services, Municipal Police and the SPCA to intensify surveillance and enforcement.
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