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By Yvonne Hilda Chitambira
Tongogara Rural District Council (TRDC) has ordered residents of Donga Rural Service Centre and Tongogara Growth Point to keep their dogs securely confined ahead of a stray dog removal exercise set to begin on 7 August 2026.
In a public notice, the local authority said the measure is aimed at improving public safety, reducing the risk of dog attacks and controlling the growing number of stray and free-roaming dogs within the two communities.
The council directed all dog owners to ensure that their animals are either tied up or kept within their residential premises at all times, warning against allowing dogs to roam freely in public areas.
"All residents of Donga Rural Service Centre and Tongogara Growth Point are hereby advised to keep their dogs securely tied or confined within their premises at all times. Dog owners are urged not to allow their dogs to roam freely and to exercise responsible ownership by properly supervising their animals," the council said in the notice.
TRDC further announced that an operation targeting stray and unattended dogs will commence on 7 August 2026, with authorised council personnel expected to remove animals found roaming in public places.
"Any dog found roaming unattended or not securely confined may be destroyed by authorised council personnel in accordance with the law," the notice reads.
The council urged residents to comply with the directive before the operation begins, warning that failure to do so could result in pet owners losing their animals.
The move comes as local authorities across Zimbabwe continue to implement measures aimed at addressing public health and safety concerns associated with stray dogs, including dog bites, the spread of diseases such as rabies, and nuisance caused by uncontrolled animals. Responsible pet ownership, including confinement, vaccination and proper supervision of dogs, remains one of the key strategies for preventing such risks.
In a public notice, the local authority said the measure is aimed at improving public safety, reducing the risk of dog attacks and controlling the growing number of stray and free-roaming dogs within the two communities.
The council directed all dog owners to ensure that their animals are either tied up or kept within their residential premises at all times, warning against allowing dogs to roam freely in public areas.
"All residents of Donga Rural Service Centre and Tongogara Growth Point are hereby advised to keep their dogs securely tied or confined within their premises at all times. Dog owners are urged not to allow their dogs to roam freely and to exercise responsible ownership by properly supervising their animals," the council said in the notice.
TRDC further announced that an operation targeting stray and unattended dogs will commence on 7 August 2026, with authorised council personnel expected to remove animals found roaming in public places.
"Any dog found roaming unattended or not securely confined may be destroyed by authorised council personnel in accordance with the law," the notice reads.
The council urged residents to comply with the directive before the operation begins, warning that failure to do so could result in pet owners losing their animals.
The move comes as local authorities across Zimbabwe continue to implement measures aimed at addressing public health and safety concerns associated with stray dogs, including dog bites, the spread of diseases such as rabies, and nuisance caused by uncontrolled animals. Responsible pet ownership, including confinement, vaccination and proper supervision of dogs, remains one of the key strategies for preventing such risks.
Published
August 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM
