Costain Shamu
Only 12 stray dogs have been shot so far in Chiredzi during a council operation that started 3 weeks ago.
Reports on stray dogs, menacing and biting people around, sharply increased some few months back, forcing Council to activate the elimination exercise.
The shoot to kill exercise has been done during the midnight to avoid inconvenience on the public.
Council gave a notice to the operation last month, warning residents to restrain their pets.
Chiredzi Acting Town Chairperson, Ropafadzo Makumire confirmed the operation to Lowveld Checkpoint, but referred the technical details to the Health department.
“Yes, I can confirm that the operation to shoot stray dogs has commenced but for more technical details please contact Mr Nyadenga who is heading the operation”, said Makumire.
Edson Nyadenga who is the Chiredzi Town Environmental and Health Officer told this publication that only 12 stray dogs have been shot so far.
He also said that the next phase will be done during the day.
“We have so far reacted to areas where reports were made, but we will soon change and operate during the day.” said Nyadenga.
Meanwhile, Chiredzi business tycoon, Wellington ‘WETO’ Togarepi, is in trouble, after a local man, Jacob Lunga dragged him to court, sueing him for US $ 2 900-00 as compensation for injuries he sustained after he was mauled by the businessman’s guard dogs.
The incident happened in August 2020.
Facts, as gleaned by this publication on Court papers, shows that two guard dogs belonging to the Weto, scaled over the precast wall and attacked the passer-by while he was walking along the street.
The dogs inflicted injuries on his shoulder, left leg, and his cellphone, Samsung S9, was damaged during the incident.
Lunga did not receive proper assistance to get treatment, and he claims that the injuries are recurring.
He also claims that the injuries laid him off duty for two months, and is seeking to be compensated for the time lost and his broken phone.
Stray dogs, mostly unvaccinated, are a menace is Chiredzi.
