Domestic pets targeted for cruel persecution
I received a panicked phone call from a friend today. She told me that there have been a number of incidents where the police/army/green bombers/youth militia or whatever they are, have been going door to door in the residential suburbs (of Harare) and demanding to see people’s dog licences. Apparently if the licences cannot be produced immediately, the domestic pets are shot dead, there and then.
I have lived in this country for over 40 years and we have always had many dogs living with us in our home. My parents and their parents have had dogs too. My animals are my friends and I treat them with love and respect. I have never had a dog licence. My vet ensures that all my animals have had all vaccinations. When the injections are due again, I receive a reminder card from the veterinary surgery, which ensures that all my vaccinations are completely up to date. My vet has never asked to see my licence. In fact, nobody has EVER asked to see my licence. I did not know I had to have one, and I am not against purchasing one. I simply did not know that they existed!
Clearly, this regime is now doing everything and anything it can to mentally, physically and emotionally abuse innocent people. The trauma that it creates within a family when something like this happens is excruciating. How disgusting and despicable this government is! I suppose this is another swipe from ‘”Operation Murambatsvina”. The continuing Zimbabwean ‘tsunami’ widens its net.
I urge everyone who reads this, to please contact as many Animal Rights Organisations as you can to inform them of what is going on in Zimbabwe. Write to your RSPCA, your local MPs, anyone and everyone. We need your help to stop these horrific attacks now!
* Sokwanele note: The image here is of Shumba Gatsi. Her story was told by the ZNSPCA in 2003 - read it here. More ZNSPCA communiques available here
