Rise in Stray Dogs An Eyesore
“I had six dogs, so that’s one mother dog and five puppies but I am slowly giving them away, and people normally opt for male ones, what I see with the Government is its just passing the buck whenever we enquire about this,” he said.
Friday 15 March 2024 | 15:28
Despite various desexing campaigns and dog trapping efforts the stray dog population in Lautoka City seems to be increasing.
Jai Chand of Simla said this was an eyesore for tourists, who normally walk through the streets of Lautoka, when cruise liners berthed at the Port of Lautoka.
“I don’t see any results from the authorities even though they are doing these campaigns. Previously they would charge $1 now the Agriculture Ministry charges $3 but the private organisations are charging $50 per dog,” he said.
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He said he had taken in a female stray dog with her five puppies to try and address the issue in his way.
“I had six dogs, so that’s one mother dog and five puppies but I am slowly giving them away, and people normally opt for male ones, what I see with the Government is its just passing the buck whenever we enquire about this,” he said.
“Anyone who takes in stray dogs knows that they don’t give birth to just one, it’s a litter of puppies. The population is rising because dog owners discard them, especially female dogs or drive them somewhere and abandon them.”
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He said the task of managing stray dog population was the job of municipal councils.
“I suggest that they make dog licences compulsory for those who want to keep dogs but end up discarding the female ones or just don’t get a dog if you know you cannot take care after them because dogs will always return to where they’ve lived their whole life,” he said.
When approached for comment yesterday in Parliament, the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Vatimi Rayalu said he would look into the complaint.
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