Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 18 Sep: Fearing a rabies outbreak, the residents of Bene village, 10 kilometres from Aalo township in West Siang district, have decided to shoot dogs on sight in the village.
A meeting was held on 8 September in this regard in Bene village community hall with all the heads of families of the village.
Accordingly, on 12 September, a representation was submitted to the West Siang deputy commissioner by HGB in-charge of Bene Village, Morjum Ete, informing about the operation to cull the dogs in the village, with effect from 15 September.
Speaking to this daily, West Siang Deputy Commissioner Liyi Bagra informed that he has instructed the official of the judicial branch of the district administration to restrict the culling of dogs. Bagra also informed that he has received a telephonic call from animal rights activist and former union minister of women and child development Maneka Gandhi, who enquired about the situation and asked to not cull the dogs.
On 15 September, a joint letter was addressed to the DC by Arunachal Animal Welfare Society, Itanagar chairperson Dr Heri Roshni, Pawpal Itanagar chairperson Jumpi Gadi, and Arunachal Helping Pets chairman Tade Yangfo, urging the DC to nullify the shoot on sight decision of the villagers of Bene village.
They also requested the DC to direct the Health and Veterinary Departments to immediately conduct mass rabies vaccination and sterilization drives in Bene village and surrounding areas.
The representation raised serious issues concerning animal welfare and legal protection, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1950, and the directives of the Supreme Court of India on strict prohibition of culling of dogs by shooting or killing. The joint letter by the three organizations also reasoned that killing of stray dogs would not solve the rabies problem. They suggested that the effective scientific approach is by mass vaccination and sterilization of dogs against rabies, along with awareness drive on responsible pet ownership.
They also stated that culling would not only tarnish the image of Bene village but also draw widespread criticism from animal rights activists, ethical tourism network and concerned citizens of the country.
Highlighting the role of community sensitization, they said that many villagers do keep dogs as pets for companion and home guards. “Such drastic measure to cull dogs creates fear and distress among the citizens, especially children and animal care givers,” they said.
A copy of the representation was also sent to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (India), and to the executive member of the Delhi Animal Board, New Delhi.
