Mansa Municipal Council has threatened to eliminate all dogs found unvaccinated for rabies.

Mansa Municipal Council Public Relations Officer Joel Kashi has disclosed that the local authority, through the Department of Veterinary Services, has been conducting a mass dog registration and vaccination exercise targeting over 1,000 dogs.

ZANIS reports that Mr Kashi has, however, revealed that only 300 dogs have been vaccinated so far since the exercise commenced in December 2025, despite the service being provided free of charge.

“Dog owners are encouraged to bring their dogs for free vaccination, while registration will be conducted at a fee of K20 per vaccinated dog. The exercise will go up to 31 January, 2026,” Mr Kashi said.

He emphasised that dog registration and vaccination are legal requirements aimed at controlling zoonotic diseases and rabies spread to humans through dog bites.

Meanwhile, Mr Kashi has advised households not to keep more than two dogs, as it is against the law.

“This exercise is conducted in accordance with the Public Health Act, Cap 295, and Cap 247 of the Laws of Zambia, which mandate local authorities to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and to regulate the keeping of animals within their jurisdictions,” he said.