Addressing the stray dog issue is everyone’s responsibility. This is the view of Seema Deo, the president of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
In a statement, raising concerns about the “ineffective and harmful measures” adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture when dealing with stray dogs, the SPCA and Animals Fiji (West-based animal welfare charity) said they met the Assistant Minister for Agriculture on January 23 to discuss more humane and longer-term solutions for controlling animal population.
“It was explained to us that the ministry is laying baits only in certain areas, where dogs are either attacking farm animals or becoming a health hazard, and only after more humane methods to trap the animals have failed,” the statement read.
“But that doesn’t make it right,” Ms Deo said.
“It still doesn’t make it right and should only be considered a very short-term intervention.”
She stressed that SPCA considered controlled baiting to be the absolute last measure where dog numbers had increased to a point where in some extreme cases this may be the only choice for the ministry.
“We are in talks with the ministry to work together towards longer-term control methods,” she said.
Controlling animal populations extends beyond the mainframe of the Ministry of Agriculture.
“People need to take responsibility for their animals,” said Shaneel Narayan, the clinic and shelter manager at the SPCA.
He said animals were on the streets because of irresponsible owners.
“People let their dogs roam around, running on the streets and contributing to increased dog populations, causing problems,” he said.
“People must get their pets de-sexed and keep them well fed.”
He stressed the lack of awareness regarding how negligent behaviours significantly contribute to the stray animal population.
Education and awareness campaigns emerge as crucial tools in transforming public attitudes toward responsible pet ownership, he said.
The recent trend of migration has also led to a surge in abandoned animals.
Ms Deo said many pet owners migrate, leaving their animals behind, creating a dilemma for landlords and resulting in a sudden influx of surrenders.
She said stray animals also impacted the tourism industry.
“We have people (tourists) write to us, after visiting Fiji, saying how much of an eyesore and how saddened they were to see stray animals, unhealthy, underfed and dying on the streets of Fiji.
“This will be the image our tourists take back with them.”
Despite these challenges, Ms Deo and Mr Narayan expressed optimism about the progress made over the years. Acknowledging the gradual increase in public awareness and engagement with NGO services, they pointed to the positive signs of government involvement and collaborative efforts.
“I think it all starts with the people if they can just do one thing, de-sex their pets, we’ll be on our way to winning the battle,” Ms Deo said.
A holistic approach encompassing responsible ownership, legislative reforms, enforcement, education, and awareness emerges as the need of the hour, the statement said.
It added that the collaborative efforts between government bodies, NGOs, city councils, and the public were integral to creating sustainable solutions.
