Stray Dogs Terrorize Gatarwa Village: Residents Fear for Children, Livestock, and Livelihoods as Attacks Escalate

Residents of Gatarwa village in Mwea West Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, are living in constant fear. Packs of stray dogs have been attacking livestock and threatening children. The animals roam the area in groups, causing sleepless nights. Parents now escort their children to school, often carrying sticks or crude weapons for protection.

The situation has worsened in recent weeks. Livestock losses are rising. Fear is spreading among families. Goats, a key source of income, have become frequent targets. Stephen Wachira, the Kagio C village in-charge, recounted losing one of his goats.

“My goat, which I had nicknamed DCI, was killed and eaten this morning. We are living in constant fear,” Wachira said. He added that residents frequently visit his home to report dog attacks.

Barnabas Mwathe, another local, said many villagers now keep their goats indoors. This disrupts their livelihoods and limits grazing. Priscilla Wangeci, who lost two goats, described the dogs’ aggressive pack behavior. She also highlighted high medical costs in case of attacks.

“If someone is bitten, we spend over Ksh 6,000 on tetanus medication. This is too much for ordinary villagers,” Wangeci said. She called on authorities to intervene urgently.

Residents have appealed to the Ministry of Public Health and the county government for action. They fear the threat could escalate to children. “If nothing is done, these dogs could end up killing our children,” Mwathe warned.

The community is urging measures such as animal control, vaccination campaigns, and increased patrols. They hope authorities act before more lives and livelihoods are lost. Meanwhile, anxiety remains high as families cope with the ongoing menace.

With attacks showing no signs of slowing, residents of Gatarwa village continue to live under constant fear. They say urgent intervention is needed to protect their children, safeguard livestock, and restore peace to the community.