Rwanda National Police

Police in Kamonyi District have warned dog owners that they will face the law and be liable for any damage their dogs cause to the community.

The warning was sounded on March 16, by Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kayigi, the Southern region police spokesperson while addressing residents of in Runda sector.

This was after livestock was attacked and killed by stray dogs in Kabagesera cell. Stray dogs killed at least four dogs.

He reminded owners of dogs to also have them vaccinated and keep them indoor to prevent them from causing harm to the people in communities.

CIP Kayigi made reference to standard procedures as detailed in the ministerial order No. 009/11.30 of 18/11/2010 on animal husbandry in its articles 4 to 10, which underline the requirements and procedures to own a dog, penalties to owners of abandoned dogs and action taken against stray dogs.

“Owners of dogs are required to vaccinate them and acquire a certificate of vaccination; have a leash; those walking with their dogs on streets or in communities are required to move with this certificate and a chained dog should be held by an accountable and mature person,” police said

He asked for sustained partnership with concerned ministries of Health and Agriculture and local authorities to work together to ensure that the law on animal husbandry is observed and appropriate actions taken against dog owners who act contrary to the  law.