Rwanda National Police

Dogs owners have been urged to keep them indoor, especially during the day to prevent insecurity they are likely to cause.

The call follows recent cases where dogs attacked and bitten passers-by in communities.

A case in point happened on May 28 in Karongi District where a three-year old girl was bitten by a stray dog at their home in Byogo Cell of Mutuntu Sector.

This specific case came barely two months after another dog attacked four school girls in the same district in Ruganda Sector.

Same dog attacks were also reported recently in the Eastern districts of Gatsibo and Kirehe where also five people fell victim.

All victims were however treated and recovered.

"Dogs, although they are domestic animals like others, should be given special attention because failure to do so can result into such incidences of insecurity where they attack and bite people," Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, said.

"Owners should keep them indoor, especially during day time and also have them vaccinated to prevent diseases they are likely to transmit to victims," he added.

Supt. Emmanuel Hitayezu, Police spokesperson for the Western Province also echoed the same message and urged owners of such domestic animals to act responsibly and take precautions against insecurity their animals can cause to the community.

He revealed that they are still looking for the owner of the dog that attacked the three year old girl.

He however reminded victims to always be quick to seek medical attention to prevent being infected with diseases such unvaccinated animals carry.

Rabies is one of the most feared diseases transmitted by either through a dog or cat bite.

Regulations require that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies and immunity maintained by booster vaccinations.