A man in his 30s was mauled to death late last night by a neighbour’s pitbull in the New Bluffhill suburb of Harare, Zimbabwe — an incident that has stunned the community and reignited fierce debate over the regulation of aggressive dog breeds.
According to eyewitnesses, the pitbull — already known in the area for its hostility — escaped by leaping over a low perimeter wall. Residents say the same dog had been seen roaming the streets without restraint for months, despite repeated complaints and warnings to the owner.
Images shared on social media show the inadequate durawall surrounding the dog owner’s property, which many believe offered little to no protection. Other photos circulating online show the pitbull roaming freely in previous weeks, raising questions about the owner’s negligence.
The victim was attacked near the offending property and suffered fatal injuries. His body was still at the scene when authorities arrived to begin their investigation. Outraged neighbours have since called for the dog to be put down.
“This was entirely preventable,” one local resident said. “People have been raising the alarm for months, and now someone’s lost their life.”
While the victim’s identity has not yet been made public, the tragedy has prompted national discussions about pitbull ownership.
Globally, pitbull attacks have triggered regulatory responses. The UK bans the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, while in the US — where pitbulls account for just 6% of the dog population — they are responsible for over half of all serious dog bite injuries.
Experts warn against generalizing all pitbulls as violent, emphasizing that upbringing and environment play crucial roles in a dog’s behaviour. However, they acknowledge that when aggression does occur, the breed’s sheer strength often results in severe — sometimes fatal — outcomes.
The Harare City Council has yet to announce any immediate actions following the attack, but residents are demanding stricter enforcement of leash laws, higher fencing standards, and greater accountability for dog owners.
