Forestry officials and locals of Haa District pulled a pregnant Sambar deer to safety from Haa River yesterday.
Locals said the deer was found stuck in the river after being chased by a pack of stray dogs. However, forest officials rescued her safely. “She was completely drained, had sustained minor injuries on her body and one of her hooves was broken,” added the rescuers.
The Sambar deer was taken to the veterinary hospital. After medical examination, she was released back into the forest, where dogs are not found.
Foresters said other wild animals in trouble are treated in similar manner. However, serious cases are referred to Thimphu Veterinary Hospital.
Forest officials have conducted 12 such rescue operations in the last four months.
“It has been frequent rescue operation of wild animals here. And most incidences occur on weekends. We have been in the fifth week since we have been engaged in the rescue mission,” said Forestry Officer, Ugyen Tshering from Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve.
They rescued 10 Sambar deer and barking deer last year.
Foresters believe that increasing number of stray dogs living in the nearby forest is adding to the human wildlife conflict.
“The number of canine population is increasing every year. These days stray dogs are also found to be dwelling in the forests and they run down the deer. At times, we feel the deer come in need of help from us because whenever they are chased by dogs, they always come to us,” said the Forestry Officer, Ugyen Tshering.
To address the issue, the forestry officers are working closely with the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector and conduct mass dog sterilisation programme annually.
They are also going to catch dogs living in forest and sterilise them.
