LCC partners with LAWS in enforcing animal welfare

—-The Lusaka City Council has partnered with the Lusaka Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) in the enforcement and protection of the welfare of animals in the city of Lusaka.

The Lusaka Animal Welfare Society is an organisation which cares, treats, rehabilitates and re-homes abandoned, abused, neglected and stray dogs and cates in Lusaka.

LCC Public Relations Manager, Habeenzu Mulunda, said in a statement to ZANIS today that in order to foster the partnership, the local authority and LAWS will jointly enforce the existing laws such as the prevention to animal cruelty Act Cap 245 and the control of dogs Act Cap 247 of the laws of   Zambia.

Mr Mulunda said the two organisations will conduct joint operations in various parts of the city saying any pet owners who will be found wanting under the laws will be prosecution.

He has since advised residents to vaccinate their dogs with established veterinary clinics, register them with the council and confine them within their premises.

He said any act of abuse, neglect, animal cruelty as well as selling of dogs and puppies in undesignated places such as Manda Hill, Kabulonga traffic lights, Makeni junction and others will result in prosecution.

He noted that according to the law, residents are only allowed to keep two dogs, adding that keeping more than two will require permission from the council or pay a penalty fee of K600 or be imprisoned for two years for failing to adhere to the rules.

Over the years, LAWS has served as a resource to the community and all pet owners by providing education and information on responsible pet ownership, including the importance of positive behaviour training and good nutrition.