{Rwanda National Police (RNP) reminds owners of dogs to have them vaccinated and keep them indoor to prevent them from causing harm to the people in communities.}
The call follows an incident on Friday when stray dogs in Nyagatare district attacked and injured a 10-year girl in Mishenyi Cell of Rwempasha Sector, at about 1pm.
They victim was at the time of the incident walking from home to Rwempasha trading centre where her mother runs a shop.
She was allegedly attacked by the dogs that were wandering in the area and was saved by a man who was in the neighbourhood, after he had the girl crying calling for help.
The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital by the locals.
Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, police spokesperson for the Eastern region warned owners of dogs to follow the standards and procedures of domesticating a dog, adding that punitive action will be taken against those who violate these standards and put people’s lives in danger.
He said that investigations are still underway to identify the owners of dogs that attacked the young girl.
Rwanda National Police recently released a statement detailing the requirements for one to own a dog.
“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,” a recently released statement read in part.
These standard procedures are 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.
Meanwhile, Claire Ingabire Uwambaye, the executive secretary of Mishenyi, said they have been conducting meetings and awareness among pastoralists in the area, majority who own dogs, to take them for vaccination.
“Even after the girl was attacked and bitten by stray dogs, we held a community meeting and reminded them to keep their vaccinated dogs indoor to prevent causing harm to the people, and that those dogs that will be found wandering will be killed,” Ingabire said.
Police in partnership with concerned ministries of Health and Agriculture, have been working together to ensure that the law on animal husbandry is observed and appropriate actions taken against dog owners who breach the law in this regard.
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