Editorial

End dog culling

Killing stray dogs is both cruel and ineffective

June 03, 2023

District municipal authorities in Karachi have been continuing the outdated and cruel practice of poisoning stray dogs, despite the presence of a full-fledged rabies control programme in Sindh. The government’s Rabies Free Karachi project, launched a few years ago, should have been expanded to effectively address the issue. This initiative, carried out in collaboration with partners, successfully vaccinated 30,000 dogs and performed over 10,000 spay and neuter surgeries. Such efforts align with WHO’s recommendation to eliminate rabies worldwide by 2030 through mass dog vaccination and population control measures. Unfortunately, laxity and negligence by officials have restricted the initiative from achieving its desired goal.

Killing stray dogs is both cruel and ineffective. Instead, the government should learn from other developing countries that have successfully controlled dog populations in a humane and scientific manner. Despite administrative challenges faced by the Rabies Control Programme, efforts should be made to overcome these obstacles and enhance its efficiency. Increased funding in the upcoming budget would support the programme and its expansion. Establishing additional centres across Sindh, including in every district of Karachi, would contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to dog population control. Further, access to rabies vaccines in tertiary care hospitals is essential to ensure public safety. It is alarming that many dog-bite victims have been unable to receive the necessary vaccine at major hospitals, highlighting the urgent need for improved treatment availability.

The government must find a comprehensive solution. Authorities must take immediate action to enforce humane practices and put an end to the cruel and ineffective poisoning of stray dogs. By implementing a scientific, compassionate and community-based approach, we can achieve a harmonious coexistence with these animals while ensuring public health and safety for all.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2023.

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COMMENTS (1)

Azeem Hakro | 1 year ago | Reply Dear Sir You have made a wonderful point about the importance of treating these animals with kindness. As citizens it is our responsibility to ensure that both we and the government consider our good behavior towards animals. Sir I would also like to share my perspective through your newspaper. It is estimated that there are about 200 000 stray dogs living on the streets of Karachi. Every year around 50 000 people in the city get bitten by these dogs. The main reason for the increasing number of dogs is the poor management of solid waste in the city. To control the population of stray dogs the authorities have been killing them which is called culling. However this method is ineffective and cruel. It goes against our cultural and religious values and it has also received criticism from animal rights activists who believe it is both inhumane and does not work. They suggest using a different approach called Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return TNVR program. According to the Sindh Local Government Act local councils are responsible for catching and treating stray animals. However the law does not specifically mention killing dogs. There have been cases where dogs were poisoned by DMC a local authority. But the law does not have clear rules about killing dogs. The government should use a scientific approach to manage the population of dogs. They should use methods that are based on research and evidence to control the number of dogs in a kind way. It is important for the government to find effective and ethical ways to manage the dog population and prevent harm to both people and animals.

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