The writer is a freelance contributor
It has been noticed that the authorities leave the dogs’ bodies lying on the roads after shooting them. Many of these dogs are then seen to be writhing between life and death, and are seen to be struggling in a highly painful manner. Many have even been found alive, suffering from serious pain. Do the people assigned the task of shooting stray dogs not have hearts? How can they act in such a merciless manner?
A screengrab of a video taken by Karachi resident Hira Tareen and posted on Facebook here
From amongst the dogs who are being shot, very few are actually lethal enough to harm humans. The best solution to counter the problems that stray dogs may be posing is to start a Trap Neuter Release (TNR) programme. Neutering a dog basically involves sterilising it through an operation.
In the case of female dogs, the uterus and ovaries are removed and for males, the testicles are removed. This operation makes the animal less prone to diseases and can add to its life years. It also makes an animal less dangerous for humans. The animal also gets involved in less aggressive activities. The Animal Care Association Pakistan has started a TNR programme in this regard, but the government needs to provide the organisation with more funding so that its programme can be an effective one. In addition, the authorities also need to fund other animal rescue groups, which are willing to start such programmes but cannot do so because of lack of funds.
The government and those responsible for this campaign to cull stray dogs must remember that animals have rights too and must not be treated in the callous manner that has been witnessed all over Karachi in recent days.
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Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2015.
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