Facing a “worrying proliferation” of attack dogs, Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has called for government control over the ownership of certain breeds, including pit bulls and boerboels. “This phenomenon is all the more worrying as it is observed that these dogs are, at first glance, kept by a young population who are unaware of the risks or danger,” government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said. Tshisekedi tasked the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Prevention to work together to regulate the breeding and ownership of these dogs.
Across Africa, numerous countries have sought to control aggressive dog breeds. Early this month, Mozambique banned the importation of 23 breeds, among them pit bulls, boerboels, and rottweilers. The decision came after widespread dog attacks were reported countrywide. Last year, 9 000 cases of people being bitten by dogs were reported in the first half of the year in Mozambique, which was a 21% increase from 2022.
In Zimbabwe, owners of vicious dogs that attack people are charged with culpable homicide. Officials there are also concerned crossbreeding is becoming popular among owners seeking to produce vicious dogs. In February, England and Wales banned XL Bully dogs, after several attacks, including on children. The UK has also banned pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Braziliero dogs. The Boerboel was bred specifically to protect South African farms, by crossing mastiffs and bulldogs.
