(COLOMBO) -The stray dog count in Sri Lanka has reached some 6.2 million and the authorities were asked to find a quick humane solution before the menace snow balls into a full-blown crisis.
“The stray dog menace has reached worrying proportions with the animals moving in large numbers in tourist hot spots throughout the country”, State Minister for Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon told the island-nation’s Parliament recently.
He said it was important to find a humane solution to control the stray dog count but stopped short of calling for a culling.
State Minister for Defense Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon
Man’s best friends
However several veterinary and animal rights groups have disputed this claim, saying the actual figure is very much less.
The stray dog population has exploded as Local Government (LG) bodies have abandoned the gruesome practice of gassing the dogs to death in the face of protests by animal rights groups, dog owners and pet lovers.
Editor’s Note:
The State Minister for Defense Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon was elected to Parliament to serve the people. As much as he has highlighted the issue at hand, it is his duty to also find a solution to this problem. Stated below are strategies used by other third world nations to combat the stary dog menace.
In many third-world countries, the issue of stray dogs poses significant challenges, affecting both human health and animal welfare. Let’s explore some strategies to address this problem:
- Vaccination and Neutering Programs:
- Implement vaccination programs to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies. Stray dogs are a major source of rabies transmission, which poses a serious threat to humans.
- Neuter and release programs can help control the dog population.
- Community Involvement:
- Encourage local communities to adopt stray dogs. Families can provide them with a safe home, vaccinations, and regular food and water.
- Establish small feeding stations for strays, where people can leave food and water.
- Human Rights Perspective:
- Recognize that the stray dog issue is also a human rights concern. Stray dogs can attack people, causing injuries and even fatalities.
- Collaboration and Education:
- Collaborate with NGOs and veterinarians to create effective solutions.
- Educate the public about responsible pet ownership, including spaying/neutering and vaccination.
Remember that addressing the stray dog menace requires a multifaceted approach, involving both government efforts and community participation. By prioritizing the well-being of both humans and animals, we can work toward a safer and healthier environment for all.
