Masvingo shoots stray dogs

THE Masvingo City Council working in conjunction with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals (SPCA) and the Department of Veterinary Services will from tomorrow embark on a week-long dog tie-up and shoot order programme where stray dogs will be shot to curb the spread of rabies, an official said.

Council chief environmental health officer Mr Zvapano Munganasa said the shooting will be nonselective. He said there were incidents of rabies reported in Masvingo urban in the last three months after people were bitten by stray dogs that were not vaccinated against the disease.

“From Monday, we have a dog tie-up and shoot order where we will be shooting all stray dogs to curb the spread of rabies in the city. I advise residents of Masvingo with dogs to keep their pets indoors.

“We also expect that all dog owners to have security walls at their houses to avoid the dogs from straying,” said Mr Munganasa.

“The department of veterinary services received three cases of rabies within the last two months in Masvingo urban.

“The three people were bitten by dogs which were not vaccinated against rabies and they tested positive but were all treated.”

SPCA provincial inspector Mr John Chikomo said dog owners must ensure their animals are vaccinated.

“I appeal to all dog owners to have their pets vaccinated so that they will not transmit the disease to humans if they bite them.

“Dogs should always have leashes so that they do not stray outside the yard and as SPCA, we encourage their owners to build them kennels and provide some blankets for their warmth, especially during cold weather,” said Mr Chikomo.

He said Masvingo urban was a rabies area because of surrounding farms which are home to some of the wild animals that carry the diseases.