Thembelihle Mhlanga
The Hwange Local Board (HLB) has tightened regulations on dog ownership following a serious attack on a 12-year-old girl in Baobab, allegedly by a stray Rottweiler.
In a notice issued on 10 April 2026, the local authority said it was “deeply concerned” by the incident, which has heightened fears over roaming and unrestrained dogs in the town. The child is currently receiving medical care.
“HLB is deeply concerned by the recent vicious attack on a 12-year-old girl from Baobab by a suspected Rottweiler dog that had reportedly strayed from its residence,” the council said. “Council extends its sincere wishes for the child’s speedy and full recovery as she receives medical care.”
Authorities warned that stray and uncontrolled dogs pose “serious public safety risks,” particularly to children, and must be treated as a public nuisance under the law.
“With effect from the 20th of April 2026, the keeping of dogs will be prohibited on properties that do not have a secure perimeter fence or durawall or other competent facilities capable of containing them,” reads the notice.
The council added that “all dogs must be kept within properly fenced or durawalled and gated yards,” and confirmed that “stray and roaming dogs will be impounded in terms of Council by-laws.”
Owners of uncontrolled dogs face penalties, including fines or removal of the animals. “Residents are encouraged to build adequate enclosures before keeping dogs,” the notice states, warning that those who cannot securely contain a dog are “strongly advised to refrain from keeping one.”
HLB will also conduct a dog census and inspection exercise starting 13 April 2026. “Dog owners will therefore be required to register and license their dogs… and allow inspections to confirm compliance with fencing, gating, and containment standards,” the council said.
Authorities stressed that keeping an unlicensed dog aged six months or older is an offence under council by-laws and national regulations.
The local authority also extended sympathy to other residents affected by stray dog incidents, saying it remains on “high alert” to ensure such cases are eliminated.
