ZRP Launches Operation Targeting Irresponsible Dog Owners Who Allow Animals To Roam The Streets

Zimbabwe Police Crack Down On Irresponsible Dog Owners With New Operation

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has announced a major new operation targeting dog owners who allow their animals to roam the streets unsupervised. This crackdown comes in the wake of a series of horrific and fatal dog attacks that have shocked the nation, prompting authorities to take decisive action to enforce long-standing laws.

According to a statement released on September 19, 2025, the ZRP stated it is now engaging with the SPCA and local authorities for the operation. The police force reminded the public of their legal responsibilities, citing the Harare Dog Licensing and Control By-Law of 1993.

The post read:

“The ZRP reminds dog owners to keep their dogs on leash and ensure that dogs do not roam on the streets unsupervised in accordance with the country’s laws, especially the Harare Dog Licensing and Control By Law of 1993, enacted under Statutory Instrument 19 of 1993. Dog owners should prioritize the safety of others.

”The ZRP is now engaging SPCA and local authorities for an operation targeting stray dogs and owners who allow their dogs to roam on the streets and in the process attack members of the public.

A Tragic Catalyst for Action

This new police initiative follows several high-profile incidents that have left communities reeling. On June 1, 2025, Mike Mupinga (40) was arrested in the New Bluffhill area after his two pitbull dogs allegedly mauled and killed his 39-year-old neighbour, Samuel Machara. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest for culpable homicide.

Neighbours revealed that the dogs had a history of escaping from their yard. One resident, who asked not to be named, stated:

“We’ve seen the dogs loose many times. We warned Mike to secure them, but nothing was done. Now someone has died.”

This was not an isolated case. Earlier in the year, on January 20, 2025, Harare was rocked by another tragedy when Roddie Mannie was mauled to death by his own pitbull dogs in Sunningdale. A close friend, Joseph Hussein, shared the devastating news on social media, describing the incident as “heartbreaking”.

Most recently, a tragic incident in Darwendale on July 17, 2025, led to further outrage. A 74-year-old farmer, Billjohn Takawira Magede, appeared before the Banket Magistrates’ Court on a culpable homicide charge after his two Boerboel dogs fatally mauled 10-year-old Shelton Panganai. The boy was attacked while playing football with friends.

Existing Laws and Penalties

The upcoming police operation will enforce regulations that have been in place for decades but are often ignored. In November 2024, the City of Harare issued a stern warning about the consequences of flouting dog ownership by-laws.

The Harare Dog and Licensing Control By-Laws state that no person shall keep more than two dogs on any property measuring less than 2,000 square metres. Properties larger than that are limited to four dogs. The City’s acting chamber secretary, Mr Warren Chiwawa, explained the penalties for non-compliance:

“Failure to comply with the by-laws incurs a level three fine or imprisonment of up to six months, or both a fine and imprisonment.”

The by-laws also strictly prohibit dog breeding within city limits and mandate that all dogs must be kept under control and not allowed to roam freely. The ZRP’s new operation signals an intent to apply these laws with renewed vigour, aiming to prevent further tragedies and ensure public safety.