Municipal authorities’ stray dog issue in Islamabad
The increasing number of stray dogs on the beautiful and well-maintained streets of Islamabad is becoming a serious problem for the citizens. The increasing number of stray dogs has affected the lives of the people, especially children, women, and senior citizens, creating fear and anxiety. The problem has become serious due to the increase in dog bite incidents, complaints from citizens, and the Municipal authorities’ stray dog issue in Islamabad.
Establishment and purpose of the Stray Dog Population Control Center (SDPCC) in Islamabad
Keeping in mind the growing problem of stray dogs, a Population Control Center was established in the Tarlia area in 2022 under the ‘Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release’ (TNVR) method to control the stray dog population at the direction of the Islamabad High Court and the Federal Ombudsman. The aim of the centre was to capture at least 800 dogs every month, neuter them through surgery, vaccinate them, and then release them again to reduce the number of stray dogs and ensure the safety of the citizens.
Initially, the project was quite successful and helped in controlling the dog population. However, a few months later, when the centre’s contract expired, the process slowed down and the TNVR procedure stopped, due to which the number of stray dogs started increasing rapidly.
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Performance of the municipal authorities and the failure of the SDPCC
According to sources, the SDPCC is now functioning like a ‘detention centre’, where captured dogs are allegedly kept till death. Despite the lack of proper vaccination and feeding facilities, some dogs are being kept alive by eating waste provided by the hotel owners. In addition, the 1819 helpline for complaints against stray dogs has also been closed, making it difficult for the public to register complaints.
Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) Stand
Officials of the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) rejected the allegation that the SDPCC is functioning as a detention centre. They said that the dogs are kept for a few days and then shifted to remote areas. They further claimed that there are special arrangements with hotels that provide free food, and the dogs are taken care of with the help of the ICT Wildlife Department staff.
Federal Ombudsman and Islamabad High Court Directions
In view of the increasing number of stray dogs and the problems faced by the citizens, Federal Ombudsman Ijaz Ahmed Qureshi paid immediate attention to the issue and directed the CDA and MCI to take immediate steps to resolve the public issues. The Federal Ombudsman also initiated a professional study, which revealed that the policy of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board was not being implemented effectively.
In this context, a high-level committee was formed, which is working with the concerned authorities to prepare recommendations to deal with the issue. In this regard, the SDPCC was established, but this project failed to fulfill its responsibilities, due to which the problem persists.
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Serious Impacts of the Stray Dog Problem
The increasing population of stray dogs has not only posed a threat to the lives and property of the citizens, but also, especially, the elderly, women, and children are facing severe difficulties in their daily lives. Citizens are often victims of stray dog bites, which causes fear and anxiety among them. In addition, the presence of stray dogs in urban areas is also creating hygiene and health problems.
Methods and recommendations from other countries in the region
According to the study of the Federal Ombudsman, many countries in the world have adopted various successful strategies to deal with the problem of stray dogs, among which the TNVR method has proven to be particularly effective. In this regard, the Federal Ombudsman recommends that the SDPCC be activated with better arrangements, so that the number of stray dogs can be controlled and the safety of citizens can be ensured.
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