Zimbabwe Records 26,000 Dog Bite Cases This Year 

Zimbabwe has reported a staggering 26,000 dog bite cases nationwide since the beginning of the year, according to the latest disease surveillance report from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Recent Statistics on Dog Bites

The report for the week ending November 24 revealed 610 new dog bite incidents, with no fatalities recorded.

Among these cases, 149 were attributed to vaccinated dogs, 135 to unvaccinated dogs, and 326 involved dogs of unknown vaccination status.

The highest number of bites was reported in the Midlands Province, with 105 cases, followed by Mashonaland West Province, which had 81 cases.

Cumulatively, there have been 25,820 reported dog bites in Zimbabwe this year, with no deaths linked to these incidents.

Other Animal-Related Incidents

In addition to dog bites, the Ministry reported 122 snake bites during the same week, also with no fatalities.

This brings the total number of snake bites in 2024 to 3,539, with a low death toll of just 15.

Furthermore, there were 17 anthrax cases reported during the week, with no deaths.

These cases emerged from Gokwe South District (9) and Gokwe North District (8) in the Midlands Province, contributing to a cumulative total of 468 anthrax cases this year.

Enforcement of Dog Licensing Laws

In response to the rising number of dog bites, Harare City Council has announced plans to enforce dog licensing bylaws after years of neglect.

According to city regulations, households on plots smaller than 2,000 square meters, including high-density suburbs and gated complexes, are limited to two pets. Those on larger plots can have up to four pets.

These regulations have been in place since the early 1970s but have not been enforced consistently.

The council will also crack down on unlicensed dogs and those allowed to roam freely. Violators may face imprisonment for up to six months or fines.

Meanwhile, Masvingo City Council is considering collaborating with animal welfare organizations to address the issue of stray dogs following a record 87 dog bites in the city this year.

The alarming rise in dog bite cases in Zimbabwe underscores the need for responsible pet ownership and effective animal control measures.

As local authorities take steps to enforce existing regulations and address public safety concerns, it is crucial for pet owners to ensure their dogs are vaccinated and well-managed to prevent further incidents.