Rising Dog Attacks in Zimbabwe: Deadly Incidents Sound Alarm, Spark Calls for Tougher Controls and Breed Ban

Pitbulls are described as the most vicious of dog breeds

Zimbabwe is facing a serious surge in dog-related bites and maulings, raising urgent public safety concerns across urban and rural communities. Over 15,000 dog bite cases have been reported nationwide in 2025 alone, with fatal attacks increasing alarm and grief. Last week, a tragic new death occurred when a nine-year-old boy from Darwendale, Zvimba District in Mashonaland West, was mauled to death by dogs in the farming community. This follows a series of high-profile incidents, including a fatal pitbull attack in New Bluffhill and a violent mauling in Mabelreign, Harare.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s latest weekly disease surveillance report for the week ending June 29, 2025, recorded 435 new dog bite cases, bringing the cumulative total this year to 15,315. While no deaths were officially reported in that week, lethal dog attacks persist, exposing gaps in animal control and public safety. One of the most devastating recent cases occurred on June 1, 2025, in New Bluffhill, Harare, where 39-year-old Samuel Machara was brutally mauled by pitbulls owned by 40-year-old Mike Mupinga. Neighbours say the dogs had roamed freely for years through weak boundary walls, terrorizing the community by attacking children, domestic workers, and livestock. Despite repeated complaints to local authorities since 2024, little was done until the fatal attack led to Mupinga's arrest on charges of culpable homicide.

The Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) removed and humanely euthanized all dangerous dogs from Mupinga’s property, including pitbulls, a rottweiler, and a Hungarian mastiff, citing evidence of neglect and poor containment. Another recent violent attack happened in Mabelreign, Harare, where residents reported two aggressive dogs mauling community members and roaming streets unchecked. Locals expressed frustration at delayed responses to multiple complaints, particularly after the fatal Darwendale incident, prompting calls for stronger enforcement.

A Darwendale resident grieving the loss of the nine-year-old boy said:“Children should be safe in their homes and farms. But with dogs roaming freely, this fear is everywhere now.”

Total dog bite cases in Zimbabwe for 2025 exceed 15,300 as of late June. In the week ending June 29, there were 435 new bites, with the highest cases recorded in Masvingo (84), Midlands (64), and Manicaland (88). Of all bite cases recorded in that week, 107 victims were bitten by vaccinated dogs, 83 by unvaccinated dogs, and a concerning 245 by dogs with unknown vaccination status—raising a serious rabies risk. Over the past three years, Zimbabwe has recorded nearly 95,000 dog bites, with rabies-related fatalities confirmed in some areas.

These figures reveal a systemic problem of uncontrolled dog movements, limited vaccination coverage, and weak enforcement of animal control laws. Zimbabwe’s Animal Control Act holds dog owners responsible for restraining pets and vaccinating against rabies, with penalties including fines and criminal charges for negligence. Yet enforcement is inconsistent. The City of Harare’s official spokesperson admits:“We enforce animal control laws, including vaccination and registration, and respond to community reports. However, challenges such as limited manpower and resources impede a fully effective response.”

Meanwhile, Bulawayo City Council has recently launched a “Tie-Up Order” crackdown against roaming dogs, threatening to euthanize any unrestrained dogs found on the streets and urging residents to comply strictly with dog control laws. Acting town clerk Makhosi Tshalebwa emphasized:“Offending dogs will be put down. This is about public safety—no exceptions.” Despite such measures, many communities report insufficient action on stray and dangerous dogs, leaving residents vulnerable. Communities affected by recurring attacks have voiced frustration:“The dogs terrorize our children,” said a Mabelreign resident. “We have reported roaming dogs many times, but no real action comes until someone is hurt.”

After fatal incidents, arrests and charges follow, but locals call for stronger, preventive measures—particularly concerning certain dog breeds involved in most attacks. A central part of the conversation revolves around banning dangerous breeds such as pitbulls and boerboels, implicated in a majority of fatal attacks in Zimbabwe. From the pitbulls at Mupinga’s property to boerboels reported in rural fatal maulings, these breeds have repeatedly caused deadly harm. Health expert Dr. Grace Chikwinya stated bluntly:“Given the pattern of fatal attacks by specific breeds, it’s time Zimbabwe seriously considers banning or strictly regulating ownership of dangerous dog breeds. This is vital to protecting our communities and children.”

Many countries—from South Africa to the UK and Australia—enforce breed-specific legislation restricting or banning pitbull-type dogs to curb fatal attacks. Zimbabwe’s growing death toll and injury rates highlight the urgent need to adopt similar laws. Experts and residents agree that a multipronged approach is essential. This includes mass dog vaccination and registration campaigns to reduce rabies risk and track dangerous animals. There also needs to be strict legal enforcement and penalties for owners whose dogs roam or attack, with increased resources for animal control officers. Additionally, public education on responsible dog ownership, bite prevention, and early post-bite medical care is essential.

Dr. Chikwinya concluded:“We cannot wait for more tragedies. Coordination among health, veterinary, law enforcement, and local authorities is required immediately to save lives.”