Stray-Dog-Hunting Stirs up Debate

Gerishna: The official decision to kill stray dogs in Gerash stirred up a hot debate.

The Governor’s and Mayor’s Offices say that killing these dogs is currently the most viable and the least expensive solution for the dangers they pose, like public disturbances and spreading diseases. But there are many other ways to deal with the problem, the Animal Rights activists say, like sterilization or setting up camps for keeping these homeless animals.

The Governor’s Office claims that the decision is a response to the increasing public demand for keeping these stray dogs away from their neighborhoods. The Office is looking for a “dog-hunter” to undertake the job.

But as Mr. Jamali, the director of the Department of Environment of Gerash, tells our reporter, killing stray dogs is not approved by his office. “We have received national instructions to set up camps under the supervision of a veterinarian to keep and support the stray dogs. But because of the high expenses, the Governor’s and the Mayor’s Offices will not accept the responsibility. Sterilization is another way, but it costs about 50 dollars to sterilize each dog, and this is also deemed expensive.”

Mr. Jamali says his office does not have the necessary means to prevent the killing of the stray dogs. It seems that it is time for Animal Right activists and other NGOs to step forward and help in finding a better solution.

لینک خبر به زبان فارسی

Some words and expressions in this news story:

stray dogs: سگ‌های ولگرد

debate: بحث و جدل

The Governor’s Office: فرمانداری

The Mayor’s Office: شهرداری

Animal Rights activists: فعالان حقوق حیوانات

Sterilization: عقیم‌سازی

Department of Environment: اداره محیط زیست

Veterinarian: دام‌پزشک

NGO (Non-Governmental Organization): سازمان مردم‌نهاد (سَمَن)