Gov't not considering pit bull ban
Larona Makhaiza | Friday April 10, 2026 15:27
This came to light in Parliament following a question posed by Kgatleng Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mpho Morolong. The legislator had asked the Minister of Lands and Agriculture if he is not considering banning the domestic rearing of pit bull dogs due to safety concerns. In response, the Minister of Water and Human Settlement Onnetse Ramogapi clarified this week that the existing laws relating to Animal Health and Production do not provide for banning of any specific dog breed.
'The current laws relating to Animal Health and Production do not provide for banning of any specific dog breeds,” Ramogapi said on behalf of acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti. He explained that Botswana’s legal framework governing animals, like the Diseases of Animals Act, the Cruelty to Animals Act, and the Livestock Improvement Act, focuses wholly on disease control, animal welfare, and livestock development, rather than restrictions on particular breeds. “The Diseases of Animals Act provides for control of animal diseases, whilst the Cruelty to Animals Act serves to protect animal welfare,” Ramogapi stated, adding that the Livestock Improvement Act aims to enhance the genetic potential, productivity, and health of animals. Morolong’s enquiry comes at a time when there are growing safety concerns in the country and globally around certain dog breeds, including pit bulls which maim and kill people annually.
It is also timely amid conversations around public safety and responsible pet ownership, with authorities opting for regulation and education over an outright ban. Although some countries have come up with interventions to address the human/ dog conflict, Ramogapi apprised MPs that Botswana has not adopted a similar legislative stance. “I am however aware that in some jurisdictions there are laws which specifically ban certain dangerous dog breeds. “For example, in the United Kingdom, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 prohibits dangerous dogs, but this is not limited to pit bulls only,” he said. Ramogapi emphasised that any move to ban pit bulls would require extensive public engagement. “In considering the banning of domestic rearing of pit bull dogs on account of safety concerns, this should be preceded by public discourse, which should balance public safety concerns with ethical, welfare, and legal considerations,” he added.
The Minister further revealed that the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture stands ready to support local authorities in regulating dog ownership. “To that end, my ministry is available to advise councils on dog behaviour, traits and characteristics as they formulate by laws for the regulation of their keeping, maintenance and licensing within their jurisdictions,” he said.