The Fiji Times

Issue of stray dogs

‘Everyone’s responsibi­lity’

- By JAKE WISE

ADDRESSING the stray dog issue is everyone’s responsibi­lity.

This is the view of Seema Deo, the president of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

In a statement, raising concerns about the “ineffectiv­e and harmful measures” adopted by the Ministry of Agricultur­e when dealing with stray dogs, the SPCA and Animals Fiji (West-based animal welfare charity) said they met the Assistant Minister for Agricultur­e on January 23 to discuss more humane and longer-term solutions for controllin­g animal population.

“It was explained to us that the ministry is laying baits only in certain areas, where dogs are either attacking farm animals or becoming a health hazard, and only after more humane methods to trap the animals have failed,” the statement read.

“But that doesn’t make it right,” Ms Deo said.

“It still doesn’t make it right and should only be considered a very shortterm interventi­on.”

She stressed that SPCA considered controlled baiting to be the absolute last measure where dog numbers had increased to a point where in some extreme cases this may be the only choice for the ministry.

“We are in talks with the ministry to work together towards longer-term control methods,” she said.

Controllin­g animal population­s extends beyond the mainframe of the Ministry of Agricultur­e.

“People need to take responsibi­lity for their animals,” said Shaneel Narayan, the clinic and shelter manager at the SPCA.

He said animals were on the streets because of irresponsi­ble owners.

“People let their dogs roam around, running on the streets and contributi­ng to increased dog population­s, causing problems,” he said.

“People must get their pets de-sexed and keep them well fed.”

He stressed the lack of awareness regarding how negligent behaviours significan­tly contribute to the stray animal population.

Education and awareness campaigns emerge as crucial tools in transformi­ng public attitudes toward responsibl­e pet ownership, he said.

The recent trend of migration has also led to a surge in abandoned animals.

Ms Deo said many pet owners migrate, leaving their animals behind, creating a dilemma for landlords and resulting in a sudden influx of surrenders.

She said stray animals also impacted the tourism industry.

“We have people (tourists) write to us, after visiting Fiji, saying how much of an eyesore and how saddened they were to see stray animals, unhealthy, underfed and dying on the streets of Fiji.

“This will be the image our tourists take back with them.”

Despite these challenges, Ms Deo and Mr Narayan expressed optimism about the progress made over the years.

Acknowledg­ing the gradual increase in public awareness and engagement with NGO services, they pointed to the positive signs of government involvemen­t and collaborat­ive efforts.

“I think it all starts with the people if they can just do one thing, de-sex their pets, we’ll be on our way to winning the battle,” Ms Deo said.

A holistic approach encompassi­ng responsibl­e ownership, legislativ­e reforms, enforcemen­t, education, and awareness emerges as the need of the hour, the statement said.

It added that the collaborat­ive efforts between government bodies, NGOs, city councils, and the public were integral to creating sustainabl­e solutions.

 ?? Picture: FILE/REINAL CHAND ?? A stray dog with puppies look for food along Vio Rd in Lautoka.
Picture: FILE/REINAL CHAND A stray dog with puppies look for food along Vio Rd in Lautoka.
 ?? Picture: FILE ?? Stray dogs in Suva.
Picture: FILE Stray dogs in Suva.
 ?? Picture: SPCA ?? Seema Deo.
Picture: SPCA Seema Deo.

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