Wild Dogs terrorize Nchelenge

Residents of Nchelenge District in Luapula Province are living in fear of their lives and that of their livestock following several attacks by Wild Dogs.15 Goats have so far been killed and one person has sustained serious injuries on his arm and thigh after being attacked by the wild animals.

ZANIS reports that Nchelenge District Agricultural Coordinator (DACO), Davis Mwansansu confirmed the development yesterday during an Epidemic Preparedness Committee Meeting held at the Office of the Challenge District Commissioner.

Mr. Mwansasu said an 83 year old man was last week attacked and viciously bitten on his arm and thigh by the wild dogs as he tried to rescue his goat from being eaten.

He said the man has since been treated and discharged from St Paul’s Mission Hospital.

Mr. Mwansasu said the areas where the Wild Dogs are being spotted are Villages South of Nchelenge, starting from Chabilikila to Shanyemba.

The DACO said so far members of the community have killed two of the wild dogs while a vehicle along the Mansa- Kashikishi Road hit a third.

He said despite this, members of the communities have spotted several other wild dogs.

Mr. Mwansasu told the meeting that his office has since started receiving disturbing reports that people in the affected area have resorted to start hunting the Wild Dogs for meat while others are said to be removing some parts for rituals purposes.

He has since called for the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) to move in and control the situation.

And Acing Nchelenge District Administrative Officer (DAO), Gift Hajongola says his Office will contact ZAWA so that it can bring the problem under control.

Mr. Hajongola says there is an urgent need to conduct sensitization of members of the public in the affected area to be security conscious so that they can avoid attacks on them and their livestock by the beasts.