Story by Farai Gwaze
HARARE – A fatal dog attack that claimed the life of 39-year-old Samuel Machara in Bluffhill over the weekend has sparked a nationwide debate on pet ownership, the regulation of aggressive dog breeds, and the enforcement of municipal by-laws.
The incident, which left residents in shock, has drawn sharp attention to the rise in unregulated dog breeding and the risks associated with aggressive breeds, particularly pit bulls.
Senior Inspector Chris Chikadaya of the Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) underscored the need for responsible ownership, particularly for breeds classified as dangerous.
“We have breeds that we call dangerous breeds, which need the owner to have knowledge of, knowing how to look after those animals. Breeds like Pitbulls should not be neglected to the extent that they become aggressive and harm someone like this recent incident. We also have a lot of illegal breeding in confined spaces, especially in the high density areas and you find that triggers their temperament and they end up being aggressive, because they are not socialised and exercising enough,” he said.
Dog breeders have also weighed in on the matter, warning against the dangers of backyard breeding and unverified lineage.
“If you get a registered dog from South Africa, normally is goes through all the regimented requirements and all the parents in its whole breed have been registered out and checked. I would suggest not going to a backyard breeder, make sure that you look for pedigree, history and temperament to avoid what just happened,” professional pit bull breeder, Matt Tambling said.
Inspector Chikadaya also took the opportunity to remind the public about existing municipal by-laws regarding dog ownership.
“Municipal by-laws allow for two dogs on a property of 2 000 square metres or less, and up to four dogs for larger properties. Female dogs must be spayed unless the owner holds a valid breeder’s licence. Sadly, enforcement remains weak, and we often have to step in to support where authorities fall short,” he said.
In response to the growing number of stray and uncontrolled dogs, Harare Mayor Advocate Jacob Mafume recently directed municipal police to shoot stray dogs within city limits, further fuelling public debate around animal welfare and public safety.
The tragedy has reignited calls for the government to consider following the example of other countries that have banned the breeding or ownership of pit bulls and similar breeds.
