Kitagwenda County Member of Parliament Robert Mugabe has called for urgent government intervention following a series of suspected stray dog attacks in Kanara Sub-county, Kitagwenda District, that have reportedly claimed the lives of two children and left another seriously injured.
The attacks have also resulted in the killing of more than 60 goats and three sheep, leaving residents worried about the growing threat posed by the roaming dogs to human life and livestock.
Raising the matter on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, Mugabe urged the Ministries of Agriculture and Health to take immediate action to contain the dogs, prevent further attacks and protect residents in the affected communities.
The reported incidents involved two children aged between six and ten years who died after being bitten by the dogs, while a five-year-old child is receiving treatment for serious injuries.
The attacks have mainly been reported in Kigarama, Kabirizi I and II, and Kanara Central, where residents say the stray dogs have become a serious threat to both people and their animals.
Mugabe appealed to the government to urgently mobilize the relevant authorities to contain the dogs, provide specialized medical care for the injured child and support the families who lost their children in the attacks.
In response, the Speaker of Parliament directed the Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, to follow up on the matter and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
Dr. Baryomunsi conveyed his condolences to the families who lost children and livestock in the attacks, saying he would consult the Kitagwenda District Health Officer to establish a lasting solution to the problem.
The minister’s response comes amid growing concerns over the safety of residents in the affected communities, with calls for coordinated intervention by the Ministries of Health and Agriculture to contain the stray dogs and prevent further loss of life and livestock.
Residents are now looking to the government for urgent action to restore safety in the affected areas and protect children, families and their livelihoods.