A Nurse mauled to death by Stray Dogs; Uasin Gishu County Assembly directs immediate action

By James Gitaka

The Deputy Speaker Uasin Gishu County Assembly Hon Sarah Malel has  today  directed the Livestock  department in the  County Government  of  Uasin Gishu, to  take immediate  actions over  the  increased  marauding  stray  dogs  that currently pose a  risk to  the  lives of  Residents .

The  deputy  speaker  gave  the instructions after  members of the County Assembly discussed  a motion  that was  stabled  by  Hon. Rebecca Chepchirchir  Member  of  the County assembly Kuinet/Kapsuswa  ward , who urged  the  County  government  to  move  with speed and  ensure  the  safety of  residents from the stray  dogs,

“We are  worried  Madam Speaker  that  we have   had unfortunate  instances  where some residents have  been mauled to death by the  stray dogs,including a health practitioner and an elderly woman who was attacked and killed within Block Ten area of  Kimumu ward,If no action is taken by the  county government the lives  of  our  people  will continue  to be at risk,” said Hon Rebecca.

Hon Rebecca has implored  upon the  county  government to  apply  the  same force  used by the  County  askaris to  prevent domestic  animals  from straying  within the  Eldoret Municipality  saying  it was the responsibility of the  same government  to  protect  its  citizens  from stray dogs,

“If any of domestic animals  were  to be found straying  within town , they would immediately  be confiscated  by the  county enforcement team and the owners  required to pay  a fine, why  can’t the  same enforcement teams confiscate  the  stray dogs since the  law  as it  is now,  does not allow these  stray  dogs to be killed,”Paused Rebecca.

The Honorable  Deputy Speaker regretted  that a resident  within her  Kimumu ward  at  Action area  had  been found  dead after he was mauled by stray dogs  and that the motion was  timely and  needed immediate  attention from the  relevant  departments ,

“Aware  that  the  stray  dogs have caused lives ,and  even killed  over  forty sheep   within the county, we note  that the  County government  lacks  legal  framework on breeding ,protection, control and welfare of pets, this  county assembly  therefore urges  the  county government  through the  department of  livestock and fisheries  to come up with laws , legislation and  regulation on the  control and  welfare  of  stray dogs  within the  County,”Directed  The Hon deputy Speaker.

In the recent past the Ministry of Health within Nakuru County cautioned members of the public over increased cases of rabies following an increase in the number of stray dogs.

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