Zimbabweans turn to canines to combat crimes

Zimbabweans turn to canines to combat crimes

As crime rate increases, demand for aggressive bred dogs surges in Zimbabwe to provide security to properties and people

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) - With the crime rate increasing in the landlocked southern African country of Zimbabwe, there is a sudden surge in the demand for aggressive-bred dogs to protect properties and people.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Harare-based dog breeder Victor Chivasa said he has resorted to importing the much sought-after Boerboel breed of dogs from South Africa to meet the demand.

“We have been receiving calls from several people looking for dogs, especially the purebred, and most of the clients say they need dogs for security,” he said.

As it is not easy like in the US to buy firearms in Zimbabwe as protection against robbery, dogs are filling the gap and chasing thieves and criminals.

Francis Mulinyu, another dog breeder who is also running a security company in Mhangura, 187 kilometers (116 miles) northwest of the capital, said the demand for dogs has quadrupled over the past few months.

He said aggressive breeds like German Shepherd, Rottweilers, and Boerboel are in great demand.

A dog breeder, who identified himself as General, said at first he was breeding security dogs for his car park guarding project, when ordinary people started making inquiries.

“Everyone is talking of crime and would want to buy professionally trained dogs; I have been selling puppies and later help the clients to train them but this year the demand has gone high,” he added.

On average he is earning from $3,000 to $4,000 every month by selling aggressive canines. Earlier he could hardly make out $1,000 a month.

“As a result of outsourcing I have managed to sell an average of five or more puppies each month at the least price of $700,” he said.


- Deterrent against intruders

Incidents of crimes such as burglaries and robberies have been increasing in the country leading to the loss of millions of dollars and lives, according to crime watchdog Safeguard Security.

Although Zimbabwean police said even those with dogs in their properties are still getting robbed, they, however, said that dogs do serve as a deterrent against intruders.

“People are now prepared to fork out huge sums of money to get secure, owing to the nature of crimes we are witnessing now in Zimbabwe. I have several female dogs that will soon be having puppies and already they are booked,” said Mulinyu.

The dog becomes expensive if it is trained, groomed, and fully vaccinated, according to Francis.

Munyaradzi Knox Machamire, a dog trainer, said the business has flourished this year. He is now importing shampoos and many chemicals necessary for the upkeep of dogs and is selling them to dog owners.

As it is not easy like in the US to buy firearms as protection against robbery, dogs are filling the gap and chasing thieves and criminals.

“Dogs will always alert you if there is an intruder at your premises, of course, if the intruders are armed, they may end up shooting the dog,” said Mulinyu.

Even if the dog gets shot, there is enough time to raise alarm and call the police.

The dog breeder said that security guards unlike dogs sometimes collude with intruders and facilitate crime.

“We have seen in Zimbabwe in the past few months, that the guards are sometimes bribed and end up conniving with thieves, yet dogs are very loyal,” he said.

The effectiveness of these dogs against crimes has now led to incidents of theft of dogs.

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