By Virginia Njovo
Masvingo residents have raised concern over the issue of stray dogs which they said threaten residents’ public health and safety and accused the local authority of being reluctant to address the menace.
This came out during a feedback meeting held at Building Brigade Hall, in Ward 5 Masvingo Urban on February 26, where residents raised alarm over the rise in number of stray dogs in the commonage which posed a risk of dog bites and high costs of rabies medication.
Ward 5 resident Taneta Chongore said they were excited when council resolved to engage Zimbabwe National Army to shoot roving dogs in streets but were disappointed that the resolution was not implemented.
“The problem in our ward is that dog owners are letting their dogs roam freely despite regulations compelling them to lock them up. We were happy when we heard that council had engaged the army to assist in shooting stray dogs but we are disappointed as that was not implemented” said Chongore.
One ward 5 health club member Shylet Kaunga said residents could not afford paying rates and let alone afford medication after dog a dog bite.
“We are worried about the availability of rabbies vaccine in our clinics as well as their affordability. If one is bitten the dog owners rarely take up the responsibility,” said Kaunga.
Responding to residents’ concerns, Ward 5 Councillor and deputy mayor Daniel Mberikunashe encouraged residents to own a maximum of two dogs per household.
“I have heard your concerns regarding stray dogs, I encourage residents to have at most two dogs per household which have to be fully vaccinated and have decent shelter so as to guarantee safety,” said Mberikunashe.
During a full council meeting which was held on February 24, Deputy Director of Health, Housing and Environmental Services Sithabile Matava said they had tried to engage other partners on the issue of stray dogs as the Society Prevention Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) had transport challenges to pick up the stray animals.
“The SPCA was under- resourced for the work, that’s why we had engaged other partners but the issue of the vehicle which they are supposed to use is the challenge. We got a car which needs some touch ups so soon we will start the shooting,” said Matava.
Last year Masvingo Province topped the national statistics of dog bites in the country.
