Use of poison on dogs
Call for a more humane approach
ANIMAL welfare organisations are concerned about the way the Government is addressing the issue of dog attacks through the dog poisoning campaign (DPC).
Animals Fiji and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) expressed reservations about the use of poison as a solution and called for a more humane approach.
“While recognising the need for action against dog attacks, SPCA emphasises the importance of exploring alternatives to poisoning, such as education and stricter rules around animal ownership, including the enforcement of desexing,” SPCA said in a statement.
The organisation questioned the lack of responsibility placed on farms where baiting was scheduled and what measures were in place to ensure the proper care of livestock and dog population counts were being conducted beforehand.
“This raises ethical questions about the potential collateral damage on unintended targets, such as farm animals, and the overall effectiveness of the campaign.
“Media inquiries have also prompted questions about the number of dogs, livestock deaths, and the availability of Government or locum vets during the poisoning period.
“These questions highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the implementation of the DPC.”
To address these concerns and find more humane solutions, SPCA is proposing a follow-up meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).
“It is crucial to note that the SPCA does not condone the current approach and urges a halt to the practice of poisoning.
“By engaging in open dialogue and exploring alternative methods, the hope is to find a solution that aligns with the shared goal of promoting animal welfare in Fiji.”
Questions have been sent to MOA and remained unanswered when this edition went to press.