If you’re connected to Pakistan, you’re likely aware that there isn’t a city or neighbourhood in the country where stray dogs aren’t visible. Whether in urban areas or rural regions, the presence of these stray dogs is evident everywhere. Despite numerous campaigns initiated by the government to address the complaints of people troubled by these stray dogs, a significant reduction in their numbers has not been achieved.
Study on Stray Dog Crises in Pakistan
Although the exact number is unknown, according to a study conducted in 2021, there are approximately three million stray dogs in Pakistan. Each year, the country witnesses nearly a million cases of dog bites. They are resulting in the spread of rabies, claiming the lives of around two to five thousand people annually. Undoubtedly, these statistics pose a significant concern for both the government and the public. Some independent studies claim that the above figures are lower than the actual numbers. Governmental efforts, along with court decisions in this regard, have not brought about substantial improvement. This article presents practical solutions based on a careful analysis of various key points in addressing the issue.
Streamline Animal Birth Control
Animal birth control measures are not effectively implemented in Pakistan, leading to an abundance of stray animals on the streets. People also need to improve their behaviour in this matter. There is a need for volunteer groups in societies that can take care of these abandoned animals. However, it’s important to understand that each dog belongs to a specific community with its pack and family. If you want to care for a stray dog, do so gradually, keeping a distance from its pack and family. Leaving it in the territory of another dog might pose a threat to its life.
Make it Tough to Adopt Pets
If someone wants to make a dog their pet, they should first prove their capability to care for it. Just as in our Pakistani society, adopting a child requires demonstrating various capabilities. A pet is like your child, it depends on you for all its needs. You cannot be a responsible pet parent if you cannot fulfil its requirements and demands. In Pakistan, since dogs are not widely perceived as valuable, there is no specific fee for adopting them. Many people, when their pets fall ill, abandon them on the streets after considering veterinary bills as unaffordable. A responsible pet parent would never think of doing such a thing.
Strict Laws and Enforcement
It is not only astonishing but also shameful that in Pakistan, crimes against animals have not been made punishable. Many people in Pakistan abandon animals on the streets that are not beneficial to them. In large cities, even working animals like donkeys and horses are left on roads, facing difficulties in their lives. Even a cow suffering from a fatal disease is left on the roads for scavenging and consuming garbage and plastic. Unfortunately, our governments have not enacted any legislation against such owners.
The need for collective awareness and responsibility among the general public is important. Whether you own a farm or a pet, everyone must take responsibility, be it a farmer, a pet owner, or a bird shop owner. Dogs and cats, like humans, prefer to live in familiar areas. If all members of society demonstrate responsibility, animal abuse can be significantly reduced.
Dog Biting
It’s essential to consider a few important points. Firstly, never attempt to provoke or harm any stray dog. Avoid attacking animals roaming the streets or in alleys, as this can lead to serious consequences, Instead, try to create awareness. Maybe by pulling their tails to scare them or attacking them, you are inviting a potential danger of dog bite. Every individual, whether a security guard, shopkeeper, friend, or anyone else, should instil the understanding that abusing animals is always condemnable.
Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR)
Also known as the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) approach. It is considered one of the most effective methods for controlling and reducing the increasing population of stray dogs. According to various reports, CNVR is widely acknowledged as the best practice in many developed countries. While some developing countries, such as Pakistan, use brutal methods, including mass culling of stray dogs. Many researchers have provided evidence that these inhumane methods, like the Mass culling approach, do not result in a significant decrease in the number or population of stray dogs.
What is the CNVR Method
The CNVR method, also known as Animal Birth Control (ABC), involves capturing the animal, neutering or spaying it, vaccinating it, and then releasing it into its natural habitat. This approach is considered humane and has proven to be quite successful in controlling the population of stray dogs. By addressing religious and economic considerations, this method significantly reduces the number of stray dogs.
Many countries have successfully implemented the CNVR method. Drawing inspiration from Turkey’s successful Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) campaign to reduce the stray dog population, Pakistan can learn valuable lessons. Under Turkey’s approved CNVR law, the approach involves capturing, neutering, vaccinating, tagging, and subsequently releasing stray dogs, rather than opting for euthanasia. The city administration took responsibility for the well-being of these dogs, which roamed as free-roaming dogs.
Stray Dogs in Pakistan: A Historical Perspective
The stray dogs commonly seen in Pakistan, often referred to as “street dogs” or “community dogs,” belong to an ancient lineage Pariah found in Asia and Africa. These dogs have coexisted with humans for thousands of years and adapted to their surroundings. They have evolved to scavenge on the waste generated by human settlements. In Pakistan and India, the presence of these stray dogs dates back approximately 14,000 years.
These adaptable dogs serve various purposes beyond scavenging, as some rural and urban communities use them as guard dogs or for other practical purposes. The population of stray dogs in any society or city in Pakistan is directly proportional to the number of residents and waste generated. The abundant waste, especially in large cities with extensive landfill sites that serve as a rich food source for these dogs, significantly contributes to their population.
These stray dogs find a substantial portion of their nutrition from the daily thousands of tons of waste generated in big cities of Pakistan like Karachi and Lahore. Moreover, many settlements in Pakistan utilize these dogs to manage waste by acting as natural scavengers. The coexistence of humans and stray dogs, shaped by historical interactions, continues to be a complex and integral aspect of urban and rural life in Pakistan.
Also Read: Top 10 Affordable Dog Breeds in Pakistan and Their Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
The stray dog population in Pakistan is a significant issue due to factors such as rapid urbanization, insufficient waste management practices, and a lack of effective control measures. These conditions create an environment where stray dogs proliferate, leading to concerns about public safety and health.
The increasing population of stray dogs in Pakistan poses health risks. Primarily through the potential spread of diseases such as rabies and other zoonotic infections. Stray dogs can transmit these diseases to humans, posing a serious threat to public health.
The CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release) method involves capturing stray dogs. Neutering them to control the population, vaccinating against diseases like rabies, tagging them for identification, and then releasing them. This method has been successfully implemented in various countries. Turkey, leading to a humane reduction in stray dog numbers without resorting to euthanasia.
Communities can play an important role in addressing the stray dog problem by promoting responsible pet ownership. Participating in local awareness campaigns, and collaborating with authorities is important. Active community involvement can lead to the development of sustainable solutions and contribute to creating a safer environment for both humans and animals.
