THE Norton Town Council has announced a drastic month-long operation targeting stray dogs, warning residents that any unsecured or roaming animal found during the period will be destroyed.
The exercise will run from June 8 to July 10.
Council says the town is being overrun by vicious, unvaccinated stray dogs posing a serious public safety risk.
The operation, carried out in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Department of Veterinary Field Services, will enforce a strict “TIE UP ORDER” under Statutory Instrument 42 of 2020, which limits the number of dogs per property to three unless written permission is granted.
During the enforcement period, captured stray dogs will not be impounded for rehoming.
“They will be killed,” the notice stated.
Residents have been urged to secure their premises immediately, while those unable to care for their pets were advised to surrender them before the crackdown begins.
The drive marks one of the most aggressive municipal responses to stray animal control in recent years, reflecting mounting concern in Norton over rising cases of dog attacks and potential rabies exposure.
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Authorities say previous efforts to contain the problem have failed, prompting the shift to a zero-tolerance approach.
For years, residents have raised concern over aggressive stray packs and public health risks linked to rabies, which authorities say have not been adequately addressed.
The latest move signals a hard-line approach to a long-standing public safety challenge.
