The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says a dog poisoning campaign is an inhumane response that does not address the root cause of the stray dog problem.
Local Government Minister Parveen Kumar has suggested a one-off nationwide poisoning campaign to rid municipalities of stray dogs.
SPCA Fiji President Deepak Rathod says this is a short-term solution that is barbaric, cruel and difficult to control in the more populated areas – posing a risk to other domestic animals as well as humans.
Rathod adds the issue is an opportunity to raise awareness about acceptable human behaviour towards all domestic animals through education campaigns in schools and communities.
He also says it’s important to review the current dog licensing system to support neutering campaigns and encourage owners to get their animals de-sexed.
According to the SPCA, the campaign would include teaching people about the benefits of neutering their pets – an important first step in changing human behaviour.
