Editorial in DAWN:
There are various animal birth control programmes that have been successfully tried in many countries which are humane and cost-effective. Animal rights groups in Karachi argue that instead of brutally killing stray dogs, birth control procedures can be used on the animal which can prevent the spread of rabies. If veterinarians are willing to offer their services in this regard, as the animal rights group claim, the city administration should move forward with this programme, especially since it had little success with other methods.
More here.
I also read about the campaign on these brutal killings of stray dogs. This is something insane and inhumane. It is a pure act of illiteracy which shows what we are today: people with a narrow vision and understanding who do not know the significance of the significant. Animals are creations of GOD and they should be treated with utmost respect. Even a simple kill should be the last option left. I just do not understand this one thing as to why the former city nazim, naimatullah khan, dismissed the remarkable WHO remcommended long term strategy of catch, nueter, vaccinate, and release in combating rabies which is far more effective (i say that because it is a strategy by the World Health Organisation) and not insane or ignorant like the brutal killing one. Which one of the four plain words was not understood? Or did the city goverment did not have enought money to buy vans or pay dog cathers? I think dog catchers arent very highly paid are they? Maybe the civil authorities need to inform us any dramatic upgrades in earnings of dog catchers that recently took place. Or maybe i think the former city nazim did not realize the insanity, the sin, and the crime associated with these brutal killings.
All that is needed is the right intention and an immediate implementation of that intention. It is only a matter of time. Pakistan Animal Welfare Society is a voice for these animals and with there call to the city goverment, it can change. With the new city nazim, i hope he has a solid concern for this matter.
Asad,
I think the city administration does not have or does not employ any “Dog Catchers” mainly because either they feel that simply poisoning / killing stray dogs is a much better answer to the stray dog problem or becuase they simply do not feel this is a problem worth addressing.
I think the city government needs to be lobbied to let them know that the “catch, vaccinate, neuter and release” strategy is THE answer to the local stray dog problem. Not only could this lead to a rabies-free stray dog population, but would also result in a significant decrease in their numbers.
If an organization such as PAWS would volunteer to do this task for them at cost, I feel enough support from within the organization’s growing member-base would be available to make this programme a success.
In Countries where Rabies is present, stray dog population has to be controlled. We cannot risk dogs running loose in packs in our cities. We need more dog homes and rescue center’s, we need more vets and we need more help from the general public.
Our rulers are too busy funding their lavish lifestyles. In absence of even basic free medical care for the poor, the Government cant even fund a National Ambulance Service for humans let alone do anything for animals.
If we want to have anything done, we’ll have to do it ourselves.
Tahir Yousaf
Pakistan Animal Rights Organization
http://www.unkc.com
I am a veterinary medicine student from England, who is very interested in rabies.
If the animal welfare society could organise accomodation, a mobile unit or something similar, then many veterinary students and even qualified vets would be willing to come across and volunteer in a rabies campaign. Mass vaccinations and sterilisations of pet and stray dogs and cats could easily be implimented, thus greatly reducing human casualties of rabies. The vaccination could also include leishmania, which is another horrid zoonotic disease.
I would also be able to organise sponsorhip and get money and drugs sent over from here.
If someone could get in touch with me then we could organise something together.
Regards,
Jennifer Irving
jen_the_vet@hotmail.com
jirving@rvc.ac.uk