Dog Registration and Vaccination under the Control of Dogs Act, Cap 247

Pursuant to the Control of Dogs Act, Cap 247 of the Laws of Zambia, the Chembe Town Council, through its Public Health and Veterinary Services, conducts mandatory registration and vaccination of dogs beginning at the age of three months.

These registration exercises are carried out through mobile community outreach programs in different localities to ensure accessibility for all dog owners. Additionally, residents can access these services at the Civic Center through the Public Health Unit, where dog licensing and vaccination are administered in accordance with national regulations.

The primary objectives of this initiative include:

  • Population Control: Ensuring responsible pet ownership by regulating the number of domesticated dogs within residential areas
  • Disease Prevention: Reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, which poses a serious health threat to both humans and animals.
  • Public Safety: Addressing the growing number of stray and unconfined dogs, which present dangers such as dog attacks, road hazards, and the spread of disease.
  • Compliance and Enforcement: Encouraging adherence to legal requirements for dog ownership while mitigating the risks associated with unregistered and unvaccinated dogs.

Through these measures, the Chembe Town Council seeks to create a safer and healthier environment for the community while promoting responsible pet management among residents.

RABIES ALERT AND AWARENESS

In response to the heightened risk, the Public Health Section of Chembe Town Council has initiated several proactive measures to safeguard our community:

  • Stakeholder engagement and awareness:  We just concluded a stakeholder awareness campaign across all ward development committees in the district.
  • Community Sensitization Campaigns: We are scheduled to conduct educational sessions in schools, markets, and community centers to raise awareness about rabies prevention, the importance of vaccinating pets, and safe interactions with animals.
  • Dog Vaccination Drives: Collaborating with veterinary services, we are organizing mass rabies vaccination clinics for dogs to increase immunity within the canine population.
  • Monitoring and Surveillance: Our teams are actively monitoring reported cases of animal bites and coordinating with healthcare facilities to ensure timely medical intervention and reporting.
  • Enforcement of Pet Registration: We are reinforcing the registration of dogs as per the Dog Control Act to maintain accurate records and ensure responsible pet ownership.

How You Can Help

  • Vaccinate Your Pets: Ensure your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies.
  • Report Animal Bites: Seek immediate medical attention if bitten and report the incident to the nearest health facility.
  • Avoid Stray Animals: Do not approach or handle unknown or stray animals, report such to village heads.
  • Educate Others: Share information about rabies prevention with family and friends.

By working together, we can prevent the spread of rabies in Chembe  District.



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