By Bigboy Madzivanzira
An 8-month-old baby, Tayana Nyandoro, was killed in her mother’s arms in Glen View 7 on 10 September 2026. A Rottweiler mauled her. A 2-year-old and a woman were also seriously injured. The owner has been arrested for culpable homicide.
Less than 3 weeks earlier, a 39-year-old man was mauled to death in Kadoma. In February, 2-year-old Tanaka Dube died in Bulawayo after 4 dogs escaped a yard.
This is no longer “dog bite.” This is a public health emergency.
The numbers are chilling
MoHCC’s Weekly Disease Surveillance Report for week ending 4 January 2026 recorded 619 dog bite cases in one week. In 2025, Zimbabwe averaged 500 bites per week. Three people died. Only 1 in 5 dogs involved were confirmed vaccinated.
In Zengeza, Chitungwiza, residents say packs of large dogs roam at night, scavenging dump sites. “We live in constant fear… and the responsible authorities are not taking action,” says resident Sheila Muganhu.
ZNSPCA has warned that illegal backyard breeding of dangerous breeds is fueling this crisis.
We have laws. What we lack is enforcement
Harare’s Dog Licensing and Control By-Law limits dog ownership and requires vaccination. The Animal Health Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act exist. But councils have no dog catchers, no licensing blitz, and no penalties that bite.
We only see police and SPCA after a child is dead.
Health Promotion Clinic Trust recommends 5 urgent actions:
1. Joint Enforcement Taskforce- City Council + ZRP + ZNSPCA + MoHCC to conduct monthly patrols in hotspots like Glen View, Zengeza, Douglasdale
2. Compulsory Licensing + Vaccination Drive – 90-day amnesty, then heavy fines. No license without proof of rabies vaccination
3. Ban Roaming and Backyard Breeding- Confiscate and fine owners of roaming dogs. Regulate breeding of Rottweilers, Boerboels, Pitbulls
4. Stiffer Penalties – $200+ fines for roaming dogs. Prosecute owners for negligence, like the Glen View culpable homicide case
5. Community Reporting + Education – A toll-free/WhatsApp line to report packs. School and clinic campaigns on dog safety and rabies
As a CAN (CBR) Africa Network Zimbabwe Representative, I see the trauma in communities. Children can’t walk to school. Parents can’t sleep.
We cannot keep burying babies and writing reports.
The City of Harare, ZRP and ZNSPCA must act now — before the next Glen View incident.
Bigboy Madzivanzira is Founder and Director of Health Promotion Clinic Trust, and CAN Africa Network Zimbabwe Representative.
He can be contacted on 0773 367 913 or healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com