Bulawayo Enforces Tie-Up Order as Stray Dog Attack...

Bulawayo Enforces Tie-Up Order as Stray Dog Attacks Rise

Zim Now Writer

The City of Bulawayo has announced a mandatory tie-up order for all dog owners, effective from Monday, 21 July to Thursday, 31 July 2025, in response to a surge in stray dog attacks.

In a public notice, Acting Town Clerk M. Tshalebwa stated that the decision was prompted by a sharp increase in dog bite incidents across the metropolitan area.

The order, issued under the Bulawayo (Dog Licensing and Control) By-laws, is being enforced in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Department of Veterinary Field Services, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Durig this period, all stray dogs found within city limits will be euthanized, the notice warned. Dog owners must ensure their pets are securely restrained within their properties, which must be fully fenced and gated.

Properties bordered solely by hedges will not be considered compliant.

The city also reiterated legal restrictions on dog ownership: No more than two dogs are permitted on properties smaller than 2,000m².

No more than four dogs are allowed on properties exceeding 2,000m².

Additionally, all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and properly licensed.

"No person shall keep in the council area more than two dogs on any property measuring less than 2,000m² or more than four dogs on any property above that size," the notice stated.

Authorities are urging dog owners who cannot secure their premises or exceed the legal limit to surrender their animals to the SPCA on Magazine Road, Thorngrove, by 5 May 20.

Those no longer able to care for their pets are also encouraged to relinquish them to the SPCA.