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World Veterinary Service’s Plan to Sterilize 74,300 Dogs Faces Opposition
Amid increasing worries about animal welfare, driven by alarming reports of cruelty, rising abandonment, and disturbing cases of mass poisoning of dogs, the government is feeling the heat to take decisive action.
These concerns come at a time when officials must also consider the impact on the country’s tourism industry. The upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Charles River Laboratories has sparked outrage on social media.
Speaking to Le Mauricien newspaper, Agriculture Minister Dr Arvin Boolell noted that recent instances of dog poisonings in Moka have shocked the local community and fueled public frustration over what many see as a lack of action from authorities.
In response to these challenges, the government amended the Animal Welfare Act in 2022 to increase penalties for animal abuse and abandonment. However, critics argue that enforcement of these laws is still lacking. Minister Boolell sought to reassure the public, stating, “There is a law, and it is subject to enforcement. The law will be significantly tightened.”
“It Is Everyone’s Responsibility”
To further address these concerns, a new plan aimed at enhancing animal welfare has been proposed to the Ministry of Agro-Industry. However, the controversial issue of mass sterilization of stray dogs continues to divide opinions. Minister Boolell emphasized the need for collective responsibility: “The state cannot fund these campaigns alone. The law will be revisited and enforced once it receives approval from the Cabinet.”
He stressed that while the government should facilitate efforts, it should not shoulder the entire financial burden.
A proposal from the World Veterinary Service (WVS) in 2021 aimed to introduce a structured and funded sterilization program was rejected by the previous government and the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW) without clear justification. This ambitious plan aimed to sterilize 5,700 dogs around Port-Louis within 14 weeks, eventually expanding to cover 74,300 dogs in nationwide outreach over 40 weeks.
“My role is to be a facilitator. If a proposal like that from WVS comes up, we are open,” the minister explained, although he admitted he was not familiar with the NGO’s capabilities. He expressed regret about not assessing their work before their $500,000 financial support was withdrawn in 2023.
Another pressing issue is the MoU with Charles River Laboratories, which has been in Mauritius since acquiring Noveprim and is awaiting Cabinet approval for its formal establishment.
“The signing is to occur between the Ministry of Finance and Charles River. Thankfully, our government prioritizes transparency and information dissemination. A legislative framework for research and innovation will be introduced, with consultations involving stakeholders,” assured Minister Boolell.
