By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) has confirmed the death of 39-year-old Samuel Machara following a dog attack at a private residence in Mabelreign.
The attack involved a cross-breed pit bull owned by 40-year-old Mike Mupinga and has sparked renewed calls for stricter animal welfare laws nationwide.
In a statement issued yesterday, ZNSPCA announced that the dogs involved in the attack had been euthanised.
“The animals were humanely euthanised, in accordance with animal welfare protocols and in the interest of public safety,” read part of the statement
The statement also blamed the owner’s alleged neglect for the incident.
The attack occurred on Saturday, 1 June, at the Mupinga residence in Harare. Witnesses and neighbours said the dogs, which included cross-breed pitbulls, were often seen roaming freely around the area.
The dogs’ owner, Mike Mupinga, has been arrested on charges of culpable homicide.
ZNSPCA officers responded quickly, removing the dogs from the scene. The organisation highlighted that the decision to euthanise was made after initial assessments indicated neglect, confinement issues, and poor socialisation conditions that can significantly influence canine behaviour.
Neighbourhood residents expressed frustration, noting that the dogs had previously chased children and attacked pets.
One resident said, “It’s not just one dog. In 2023 they chased my kids. Last year they killed another dog. The owner was rude when we pleaded with him.”
ZNSPCA urged the public to exercise caution and responsibility when owning or breeding dangerous dog breeds, emphasizing the importance of proper training, socialisation, and secure containment to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.
The incident has intensified concerns about the dangers posed by certain dog breeds, particularly pitbulls, prompting calls for a ban on such breeds in Zimbabwe.