In a communiqué dated August 29, 2025, RAB reminded owners that all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies every year and properly registered with local authorities.
The move comes in line with national laws governing the prevention and control of animal diseases, as well as ministerial regulations on the movement and management of domestic animals.
The guidelines emphasise that dogs found outside homes must be accompanied by an adult and kept on a leash. Additionally, owners are required to ensure their dogs wear muzzles or other protective equipment to prevent them from biting people.
Failure to comply with these regulations, RAB warned, will result in penalties as provided by law. The measures are particularly targeted at urban and densely populated areas where the risk of rabies transmission and dog attacks is higher.
"Anyone who violates the provisions of the laws and regulations mentioned in this announcement will be punished in accordance with the law," said Dr. Solange Uwituze, the Acting Director General of RAB, citing Law No. 54/2008 of 10/09/2008, which governs the prevention and control of animal diseases in Rwanda, and Ministerial Order No. 009/11.30 of 18/11/2010 from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) regarding the movement of livestock and other domestic animals.
Rabies, a viral disease transmitted through bites, remains a serious public health concern globally, but it can be effectively prevented through vaccination and responsible dog ownership.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
