The Bulawayo City Council has expressed growing concern over the rising number of dogs kept on private properties, warning that these animals are increasingly becoming a nuisance to residents.
In a recent public notice, Town Clerk Christopher Dube emphasized that keeping a dog over six months old within the city’s jurisdiction requires a valid licence.
Key Regulations for Dog Ownership in Bulawayo:
- A licence is mandatory for any dog over six months old.
- Properties under 2,000 square meters can house a maximum of two dogs, while larger properties are limited to four.
- Dogs must not roam freely outside their owner’s property.
- All properties housing dogs must be securely fenced or walled; hedges do not qualify as proper enclosures.
- Vaccination against rabies is compulsory.
- Breeding or keeping an unspayed female dog requires a breeder’s licence.
Dog licences, valid from January to December, can be obtained at any City of Bulawayo Revenue Office upon presentation of a valid vaccination certificate and payment of fees—$24 for male dogs, $27 for female and unspayed dogs.
The city has advised residents who can no longer care for their pets to surrender them to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Authorities, including the City of Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and the Department of Veterinary Field Services, will respond to complaints related to non-compliance.
Residents can report concerns through the City of Bulawayo Customer Contact Centre via phone (02922 71290), WhatsApp (0774 668 432), or email (callcentre@citybyo.co.zw).
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