Yambio Commissioner bans free movement of dogs after attack leaves three dead
By Emmanuel Mandella
In response to a surge in deadly dog attacks across Yambio County, the Commissioner of Yambio, Hon. Mbiko C. Barakati, has issued a sweeping local order banning the free movement of domestic dogs, effective immediately.
The order, officially cited as Yambio County Local Order No. 02/2025, comes after reports emerged that at least 10 people were bitten by dogs in recent weeks—three of whom have tragically died from their injuries. The most alarming incident occurred on Thursday when three schoolchildren were attacked in separate areas of the town, prompting widespread concern and fear among residents.
“The safety of our people, especially our children, must come first,” stated Hon. Barakati. “This decision is necessary to prevent further loss of life and protect the public from a growing threat.”
According to the order, all dog owners are required to tie up or secure their dogs between April 24 and 26. Beginning April 27, a joint operation team under the National Security of Western Equatoria State will conduct an early morning crackdown between 5:00 am and 6:00 am, during which any stray dog will be shot on sight.
The situation is compounded by a worrying shortage of antibiotics at Yambio State Hospital. Health authorities have confirmed that the facility currently lacks the necessary medicine to treat dog bite victims, increasing the urgency of the county’s intervention.
Community voices are echoing support for the measure. “We’ve been living in fear,” said Teresa Akawo, a mother from Hai Kuba. “Just last week, a dog nearly attacked my son on his way to school. This crackdown is long overdue.”
Officials urge all dog owners to comply with the directive to avoid tragic consequences. The Commissioner has called on the public to cooperate fully with security forces during the implementation of the order.
“We’ve buried three people already. We cannot afford to wait until more lives are lost. This is about public safety.” – Hon. Mbiko C. Barakati, Commissioner of Yambio County
Killing of stray dogs that pose threat to the public has been a common trend in the country.
In October last year, authorities in Lakes State’s Awerial County order the elimination of stray dogs on the streets of Mingkaman town.
Police ran an awareness campaign on the streets and on radio in Mingkaman.
Acoording to Awerial County Town Clerk Abraham Deng Cuei the authorities had hired a sharpshooter to eliminate all the stray dogs.
“A sharpshooter, Marial Jok, has been hired to begin the elimination on Tuesday this week,” he told Radio Tamazuj, revealing that the shooter would use live bullets to kill the roaming dogs.
A year earlier (2023), the same practice had been ordered in Lafon County, Eastern Equatoria State, where the Commissioner, ordered the killing of all stray dogs in the area after the county registered 67 cases of dog bites in five months.
