Lundazi embarks on stray-dog destruction exercise

—-Lundazi District Council in conjunction with
Department of Veterinary, has embarked on destruction of stray and suspected rabies infested dogs in Lundazi Township.

Lundazi District Council Environmental Technician, Regina Banda, told ZANIS in Lundazi that of late Lundazi Township has experienced uncontrollable stray dogs and an increased number of dog-bite cases.

Ms Banda disclosed that the local authority, in conjunction with Veterinary Department,
recently embarked on community sensitization in which dog owners were advised to take their dogs for vaccination against rabies.

She said after that dog owners who had taken their dogs for vaccines were suppose to secure their pets within their yard from 05.00hrs to 22.00hrs daily.

Ms Banda said failure by dog owners to abide by Public Health Act, Section 65 and 67 parts G and S, the council and the Department of Veterinary will have no option but to kill any dog found roaming the streets of Lundazi Township.

Ms Banda revealed that the council and Department of Veterinary have established three vaccination centres, namely Lundazi Boarding Secondary School, Lundazi Day Secondary School Playfield and a place between Duda compound and Dunavant Cotton Ginnery Company where dog owners should take their dogs for vaccination against rabies.

And ZANIS report that cases of dog bites have since increased, according to statistical data obtained from Lundazi District Hospital.

Meanwhile Lundazi Community has welcomed the program of stray dog destruction.

The residents however appealed to the council to extend the exercise to Lumezi, Emusa and Mwase Sub-centres to help reduce incidences of dog bites.