Johnson Progress

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced a major operation targeting dog owners who allow their animals to roam the streets unsupervised.

This move comes after a series of fatal dog attacks that have shocked the nation, prompting authorities to enforce long-standing laws.

According to the ZRP, the operation will be conducted in collaboration with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and local authorities.

“The ZRP reminds dog owners to keep their dogs on leash and ensure that dogs do not roam on the streets unsupervised in accordance with the country’s laws,” the police statement read.

The police force emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety, citing the Harare Dog Licensing and Control By-Law of 1993.

This law stipulates that dog owners must keep their dogs under control and prevent them from roaming freely.

The decision to launch the operation follows several high-profile incidents, including the death of 39-year-old Samuel Machara, who was mauled by his neighbor’s two pitbull dogs in June 2025.

Neighbors reported that the dogs had a history of escaping from their yard.

“We’ve seen the dogs loose many times. We warned Mike to secure them, but nothing was done. Now someone has died,” a resident said.

In January 2025, Harare witnessed another tragedy when Roddie Mannie was killed by his own pitbull dogs in Sunningdale.

More recently, a 74-year-old farmer, Billjohn Takawira Magede, appeared in court on a culpable homicide charge after his two Boerboel dogs fatally mauled a 10-year-old boy in Darwendale.

The Harare Dog and Licensing Control By-Laws limit dog ownership to two dogs on properties smaller than 2,000 square meters and four dogs on larger properties.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a level three fine or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

City of Harare acting chamber secretary, Mr. Warren Chiwawa, explained the penalties for non-compliance: “Failure to comply with the by-laws incurs a level three fine or imprisonment of up to six months, or both a fine and imprisonment.”

The ZRP’s operation aims to enforce these regulations and prevent further tragedies, ensuring public safety and responsible dog ownership.