Concerns Rise Over Stray Dogs in Mauritius, Estimated at 300,000

The issue of stray dogs on the island of Mauritius has reached alarming levels, with an estimated 300,000 strays reported in a March 2025 report by the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW). This figure highlights a serious crisis driven by uncontrolled breeding, insufficient sterilization efforts, and the abandonment and mistreatment of animals. Stray dog packs are forming in villages, cities, and remote areas, often causing disturbances, while irresponsible pet ownership remains a key contributor to the problem.

A Widespread Concerns

The stray dog situation is not just an animal welfare issue; it poses social, health, and ethical challenges.

Problems include constant noise, dog bites, aggression towards pedestrians, the spread of diseases and parasites, and road accidents.

Despite the efforts of animal welfare advocates and various NGOs, the situation remains tragically unchanged.

Proposed solutions to this crisis vary, but their implementation raises significant practical and ethical questions.

One controversial method is “catch and kill,” which involved capturing and euthanizing stray dogs.

While this approach may provide a quick fix, it has not proven effective in the long term, as new strays quickly fill the void left by those removed, creating a never-ending cycle.

A more humane and sometimes effective alternative is the Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program, which involves capturing, sterilizing, and then releasing the animals.

However, applying this method on a large scale in Mauritius faces practical challenges, as there are only 126 veterinarians available to address the vast number of stray dogs.

Human Responsibility

According to Sonia Pougnet, president of PAWS, a prominent NGO, the main challenge lies not in the existence of stray dogs but in the irresponsible behavior of some pet owners.

“The real problem is that some owners abandon their puppies in fields without considering the consequences,” she explained.

Therefore, sterilizing pets, both dogs and cats, is crucial, but it must be accompanied by a collective awareness and a change in citizen behavior.

Insufficient Funding for NGOs

Addressing the stray dog issue requires adequate funding for management and sterilization initiatives. However, NGOs like PAWS often struggle with a lack of resources.

While they sometimes secure funds through corporate partnerships, this support is far from sufficient.

“The government does not provide any support to these organizations. Tourists contribute more than the state,” said Pougnet, lamenting the lack of concrete government backing for local initiatives.

Most funds come from corporate social responsibility efforts, but only about 25% of these funds can be directed to NGOs, leaving a significant portion of philanthropic efforts reliant on private initiatives and sporadic aid, which often fall short given the scale of the problem.

A Fragile Hope for Shelters

In response to the growing number of stray dogs, the MSAW announced in 2024 plans to create animal shelters, which could provide temporary relief by offering shelter and medical care to homeless dogs.

However, this solution remains a promise until these facilities are built. Additionally, managing these shelters poses significant challenges in terms of funding and logistics.

Questions remain about how many shelters can realistically be constructed with available resources and when they can accommodate the thousands of stray dogs still living on the streets.

The Urgency of a Comprehensive Approach

Managing stray dogs in Mauritius requires a broader perspective. While technical solutions like sterilization, shelter establishment, and TNR programs can address some aspects of the problem, they are only part of the solution.

The fundamental issue is the collective responsibility towards these animals and public safety.

Citizens must be educated on the importance of sterilization and the need to avoid abandoning their pets, as combating this crisis fundamentally requires a change in mindset.

The real challenge is balancing animal welfare with the legitimate concerns of residents affected by the presence of stray dogs.

A comprehensive solution will demand a collective effort at all levels: political, community, and economic.

Source: Defi Media