Zimbabwe is no stranger to tragic headlines, but the recent spate of fatal and near-fatal dog attacks has shaken communities and sparked long-overdue conversations about responsible dog ownership. As the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) moves to draft a policy banning the breeding of vicious dogs, particularly Pit Bulls and Boerboels, it is not merely responding to isolated incidents it is confronting a deeply rooted public safety issue that has long gone unaddressed.
The statistics paint a grim picture. Between January and July 2025 alone, Bulawayo recorded 425 dog bites, with one of those cases resulting in death due to rabies. This is not just a city problem; it is a national concern. Dog attacks, some of them fatal, have been reported in Harare, Bulawayo, and other urban areas in recent years. These are not stray dogs, but beloved household pets turning violent, sometimes against the very people who raised them.
One of the most harrowing cases occurred in November 2024 when Addelis Sibutha, a former high-ranking government official, was mauled by her own Boerboel. The brutal attack left her with deep wounds on her arms, legs, neck, and head, requiring multiple surgeries within less than a month. Sibutha’s story is not unique. In 2022, John Gavhera of Selbourne Park was killed by his two Boerboels in an attack so savage that neighbours could do little more than watch in horror. Earlier this year, another life was lost when Samuel Machara was killed by a Pit Bull in Harare’s Bluff Hill suburb. The dog’s owner, Mike Mupinga, was arrested and charged with culpable homicide a sign that the legal system is starting to treat such cases with the gravity they deserve.
These incidents expose a dangerous gap in regulation. Unlike other countries that have long adopted breed-specific legislation, Zimbabwe has allowed the breeding and ownership of aggressive dog breeds without stringent guidelines. Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada (specifically Ontario), and several U.S. states have either banned or strictly regulated the ownership of breeds such as Pit Bulls and Boerboels. These regulations often include mandatory sterilisation, muzzling in public, secure enclosures at home, and insurance requirements for owners. The rationale is simple: these breeds, while not inherently evil, possess physical traits and instincts that, when improperly trained or provoked, can lead to devastating consequences.
Bulawayo’s move to create a policy curbing the breeding of dangerous dog breeds is not only justified but overdue. The policy will likely include restrictions on the breeding and ownership of Pit Bulls and other high-risk breeds, and incorporate conditions to ensure that even allowed breeds are properly trained, restrained, and vaccinated. The Health, Housing, and Education Committee of the City Council has already reviewed the issue and is engaging key stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Veterinary Services, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), in crafting a comprehensive approach.
Some may argue that the problem is not the dogs but irresponsible owners. To an extent, that is true. A well-trained dog, even of a notoriously aggressive breed, may never harm a soul. However, responsible ownership is far from universal in Zimbabwe. Many dog owners, particularly in densely populated suburbs, fail to secure their pets properly or provide the necessary training. In some cases, dogs are kept as status symbols or for breeding purposes with little consideration of the risks involved.
The City of Bulawayo’s existing Dog Control By-Laws limit the number of dogs per household — two in high-density suburbs and four in low-density areas — but enforcement has been inconsistent. Moreover, with the rise in backyard breeding, especially of high-demand breeds like Boerboels and Pit Bulls, many dogs are raised in poor conditions that fuel aggressive behaviour. The Council’s tie-up order, which saw 79 stray dogs put down in a single week in July, is only a temporary fix. What’s needed is a legal framework that discourages the proliferation of aggressive dogs in the first place.
Opponents of breed-specific legislation often cite animal rights or argue that “it’s not the breed, it’s the owner.” But when the stakes are as high as human lives, this idealistic view does not hold up. Children have been attacked. Elderly residents have been overpowered. Even seasoned dog owners have become victims. It is naive and dangerous to pretend that all dog breeds carry the same level of risk. Just as we don’t allow untrained individuals to drive high-performance vehicles on public roads, we should not permit the unchecked ownership and breeding of dogs capable of lethal harm.
Implementing such a policy will require more than just drafting laws. It will require public education, increased enforcement, and cooperation from law enforcement, veterinary professionals, and dog owners themselves. Community outreach campaigns can help people understand the dangers of keeping aggressive breeds and the responsibilities involved. Veterinary clinics can play a role by providing behavioural assessments, while police must be equipped to handle and investigate dog attacks swiftly and effectively.
Of course, any policy must also be balanced with compassion. Not every Pit Bull or Boerboel is a killer. There are thousands of well-trained, loving dogs of these breeds in Zimbabwe. A complete ban might not be necessary, but strict conditions on ownership, breeding, and public handling should be non-negotiable. This may include mandatory training courses, licensing, microchipping, sterilisation, and secure fencing. Penalties for violations must be stiff enough to deter neglect and irresponsible breeding.
Ultimately, this is about protecting lives — both human and canine. When a dog attacks a person, especially fatally, it is almost always the dog that pays the price with its life, even though it may have been poorly raised or provoked. By preventing dangerous situations from developing in the first place, breed-specific policies can reduce harm to both species. Responsible owners who truly care for their pets should welcome these changes, as they help safeguard the reputation and well-being of all dogs.
Bulawayo’s initiative sets an example for other urban centres in Zimbabwe. As the country continues to urbanise and more people live in close proximity, the risks associated with aggressive dogs become more pronounced. Without regulation, the next headline could be about another innocent life lost — a child walking home from school, a neighbour visiting a friend, or an owner simply feeding their pet.
The time for action is now. The City Council’s proposed policy is not a punishment but a protective measure. It’s a step toward a safer Zimbabwe where communities can coexist with dogs not fear them.
