Concerns Rise Over Use of Attack Dogs in Congolese Mining Areas
Civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are raising alarm over the threat to human rights posed by attack and defense dogs in mining regions. They are urging President Félix Tshisekedi to extend initiatives aimed at regulating this sector to security firms.
The call comes in response to President Tshisekedi’s announcement to regulate the breeding and ownership of attack and defense dogs.
According to Congolese civil society groups, there is a pressing need to address the problematic deployment of these dogs by security companies in mining zones.
In an open letter to the Head of State, these organizations highlighted the use of dogs leading to “human rights violations within and around mining concessions in our provinces.” They appeal to President Tshisekedi to broaden efforts to enhance regulation to encompass security firms.
Emphasizing their longstanding mobilization since 2018, civil society organizations reiterated their proposals for reforms to regulate the practices of security companies and ensure the protection of human rights in mining areas.
They advocate for close collaboration among various stakeholders, including local communities, mining companies, and government authorities, to find sustainable solutions to this issue.
Amid a rise in incursions on mining sites by impoverished communities, the organizations underscored the use of attack and defense dogs by security firms to deter intruders.
However, they noted that this practice has severe repercussions for local populations, with victims suffering significant physical injuries and trauma as a result of dog attacks.
