An initiative has been launched to control the stray dog population in Sarpang and eliminate the threat of rabies. This is to ensure public safety and make Gelephu Mindfulness City a rabies-free zone. The collaborative effort between the agriculture and livestock ministry and Sarpang’s livestock sector and Dessups began last month. Stray dogs are captured and temporarily sheltered at Sheychamthang.
The effort to control the stray dog population has brought relief to the residents of Sarpang. People say they now feel safer, especially in public spaces that were once overrun by stray dogs. As a result, the streets and highways have become noticeably less populated by dogs, a welcome change for the community.
“The government’s decision to capture the stray dogs and house them in a shelter is a huge benefit to us. We live near the highway, and these stray dogs often roam along this route. There was always the risk of them attacking people who came to our shops. This is a welcome initiative,” said Kado, a resident of Darjaythang, Shompangkha Gewog.
Jamuna Gurung, a resident of Chheokhorling, Dekiling Gewog said, “We were particularly concerned about children being bitten by stray dogs. There were also worries about the dogs spreading illnesses to our cattle. But now, with the situation under control, it feels much safer.”
“This has really benefited us. We no longer have to worry about the safety of our children,” said Krishna Maya Ghalley, a resident of Chhoekhorling, Dekiling Gewog.
So far, around 360 stray dogs have been captured and are housed at the temporary shelter in Sheychamthang in Gakiling Gewog. The dogs are fed with cooked meals, snacks and biscuits.
They will be relocated to a permanent shelter at a nearby facility in Getemkha Chiwog. According to the Sarpang’s livestock sector, construction of the permanent shelter has already been tendered out and is scheduled to be completed within three months.
A unique aspect of this initiative is that the dogs in the shelter can be adopted by individuals who wish to take them in, by registering the adoption under their name.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Kipchu
