Plan to Manage Stray Dog Population of 300,000

Mauritius is currently home to an estimated 300,000 stray dogs, leading to growing concerns about animal welfare. In response, a comprehensive plan has been submitted to the Ministry of Agro-Industry, aimed at managing the population of these animals.

This initiative follows comments made by Arvin Boolell, the Minister of Agro-Industry, shortly after the recent elections.

He condemned the mistreatment of animals in areas such as Petit-Gamin and announced the need for a revision of policies set by the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW) on his Facebook page.

The framework of this new plan, developed by Gaëlle Glover and her team, has already been presented to the ministry.

The proposal outlines a complete overhaul of the MSAW, with the goal of transforming it into a structured international organization similar to the former Mauritius Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA).

Such a transformation would enable the MSAW to qualify for support from international aid organizations and other countries.

One of the plan’s key components includes the establishment of regional branches equipped to shelter sick, abused, or abandoned animals, facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

These facilities would offer free medical care.

The plan also emphasized the importance of partnering with foreign veterinarians.

Notably, it is referencing India, which is home to a pool of “field veterinarians” capable of performing on-site interventions.

A pivotal aspect of the strategy is mass sterilization.

Healthy adult strays would be sterilized and returned to their original locations post-operation.

Additionally, feeding stations would be implemented, allowing volunteers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to safely feed strays without contributing to littering.

However, the plan’s biggest challenge remained the process of capturing the dogs, which hampers population control efforts.

To address this, it advocated for replacing traditional net capture methods with the establishment of a Dog Catch Unit, equipped to use anesthetic darts.

The proposal also seeks to introduce stringent regulations governing the breeding and importation of purebred dogs.

It will target illegal breeding operations where female dogs are overworked and abandoned.

The trade of purebred dogs would be subject to new rules, including mandatory microchipping and the provision of a health record validated by the MSAW or a licensed veterinarian.

Regarding dog imports, the plan suggests implementing a ban or imposing hefty taxes.

A crucial reform involves revising existing laws to empower the MSAW to seize abused animals to ensure their protection.

It is calling for considerable fines for negligent owners, along with imprisonment for the most serious offenses.

The plan is also recommending allowing interventions on private property when necessary.

In terms of quarantine regulations, the proposal suggested that foreigners moving to Mauritius, as well as returning Mauritians, could bring their pets into the country without undergoing quarantine, provided they comply with health standards and present up-to-date vaccination records.

Additionally, the plan is proposing reducing taxes on locally produced pet food and common medications.

It is encouraging retailers and supermarkets to donate unsold items like pasta, rice, and meat to shelters and NGOs instead of discarding them, asserting that the logistics of such a process are manageable.

However, the responsibility for managing the stray dog population does not rest solely with the Ministry of Agro-Industry.

The ministries of Environment and Tourism are also expected to contribute funding for the mass sterilization initiative.

The document suggested various potential funding sources, including international donations, a tourist entry levy, and an increase in the tax exemption limit on donations from individuals and businesses.

Overall, this proposed strategy reflects a proactive approach to addressing the stray dog situation in Mauritius while simultaneously promoting animal welfare and community responsibility.

Source: l’Express