The Laytshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body inaugurated the Nakulu Dog Shelter in Thimphu, today. The shelter has about 360 dogs. The Department of Livestock in collaboration with De-Suung as a part of the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme constructed the shelter, last year.
Currently, the Zeus for Stray and Homeless Dog Food manages the dog shelter, which is located about 2.5 kilometres from Semtokha. There are about seven staff who look after the dogs.
Initially, there were 400 dogs in five enclosures but more than 33 dogs died in the shelter due to diseases, old age, and after sustaining injuries in fights.
The dogs were lifted from various parts of Thimphu as part of the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme, last year.
Earlier this year, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Department of Livestock and Nakulu Dog Shelter Management team Zeus to provide technical support and the team to operate and manage the shelter.
However, the team Zeus says they are facing financial constraints. The founder of the team said they spend Nu 300,000 in a month to feed the dogs and pay salaries.
‘‘We have not sought donations from the public but compassionate people are coming forward and they are donating. Some are donating gas; some are donating dog food, so that has made a lot of difference. The government is also supporting us to register as a CSO. After registration, we will try to seek funds from national or from international donors,’’ said Thinley Norbu, Zeus Founder.
The government has spent Nu 2 M for the construction work of the dog shelter.
Team Zeus has spent around Nu 1.5 M to construct the kitchen, and procure kitchen utensils and other essential items.
During the inauguration, Laytshog Lopen also administered oral transmission of Mani and donated Nu 10,000 to install a sound system to play Mani every morning and evening.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tshering Zam
