LCC URGES RESIDENTS TO COMPLY WITH DOG REGISTRATION, VACCINATION LAWS.

LCC URGES RESIDENTS TO COMPLY WITH DOG REGISTRATION, VACCINATION LAWS.

Lusaka City Council (LCC) has expressed concern over low compliance levels with dog registration and vaccination regulations in the city, warning that the situation poses a serious public health risk.

The Council says only 652 dogs were registered across Lusaka between January and December 2025, a figure it describes as significantly low when compared to the number of households that keep dogs. During the same period, 45 cases of dog attacks and bites were recorded, underscoring the need for residents to adhere to the Control of Dogs Act.

Through its Department of Public Health, LCC is mandated to register and vaccinate dogs in collaboration with the Veterinary Department in order to protect the public against rabies. The Council is concerned that many dog owners are failing to comply with these legal requirements, thereby increasing the risk of rabies transmission and other public safety concerns.

The local authority has reminded residents that registration and vaccination of dogs are crucial in safeguarding public health, preventing cruelty to animals and reducing nuisances associated with improper pet ownership. Dog owners have also been urged to promptly report all incidents of dog attacks or bites to the nearest Council office to guide appropriate interventions, including enforcement of relevant regulations.

LCC further notes that the Control of Dogs Act only allows households to keep a maximum of two dogs. Residents who wish to keep more than two dogs must apply for permission through the Department of Public Health at a fee of K900, while dog breeding requires authorisation from the Council at a minimum fee of K10,000.

The Council conducts dog registration throughout the year, charging K140 for new registrations, K150 for second registrations and K100 for renewals. LCC says these fees are meant to ensure that dogs are properly registered and vaccinated against rabies.

The Council has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and safety and has called on all residents to comply strictly with the provisions of the Control of Dogs Act and other regulations governing responsible pet ownership.