Harare West Community Tackles Vicious Dogs Menace

A SPATE of violent dog attacks, sadly including one fatality, has caused urgent action from local authorities and animal welfare groups in Harare’s Ward 41.

The incidents, generally assumed to be isolated to one particular dog breed, the pit bull, have since been linked to a wider range of powerful dogs, raising alarm among residents and city officials.

The community was left shellshocked after the death of 39yr old Samuel Machara, who was mauled by a pit bull that scaled over a low perimeter wall, and fatally attacked him.

This tragedy was soon followed by another harrowing incident in which a primary schoolboy was attacked by two Boerboels and a Rottweiler, after the gremlins escaped from a private residence.

The pupil suffered severe injuries to his throat, back as well as stomach and is still receiving medical care.

His life was saved by brave passengers who were in a commuter omnibus.

These attacks have shattered the perception that only pit bulls pose a danger to the residents.

“Initially, we thought it was just the pit bull breed attacking people but we have since realised that other breeds like Rottweilers, Boerboels, and even mixed breeds are also responsible for attacks in our community,” said Ward 41 Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe.

In response to the escalating threat, Councillor Kadzombe has spearheaded a multi-pronged approach in partnership with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the City Council’s Development Control Unit.

Notices were circulated in residents’ groups, urging community members to report properties where dogs were not secured or were being allowed to roam freely.

The SPCA has since begun collecting stray and unrestrained dogs from both private properties and public spaces.

The City of Harare has also started issuing fines to owners found to be negligent or in violation of animal control regulations.

“It’s been a case of irresponsible pet ownership and we are working closely with the SPCA to ensure that dangerous dogs are removed and that owners are held accountable,” added Kadzombe.

The recent spate of dog attacks has stressed the urgent need for responsible pet ownership and stronger community vigilance.

According to international data, Rottweilers and pit bulls are responsible for a significant proportion of fatal dog attacks, with pit bulls linked to 65.6% and Rottweilers to 10.4% of such incidents in the United States. The situation in Ward 41 mirrors these global trends, highlighting the risks posed by powerful breeds when not properly managed.

Councillor Kadzombe summed up the community’s resolve:

“It is quite unfortunate that we had a fatality because of a dog attack.

“We are working tirelessly with the SPCA and the City Council to ensure that all dangerous and roaming dogs are removed from our streets and that owners who fail to secure their pets are held accountable.

“Our priority is the safety of our residents and the well-being of our community.”

As Ward 41 continues to recover from these traumatic events, the combined efforts of local authorities, animal welfare groups and residents offer a blueprint for tackling both immediate safety concerns and long-term community development.

The Herald