Why this anger towards stray cats and dogs?
While there are several factors at play in this phenomenon, we addressed two things – how common culling is by private citizens and whether there are solutions for the ‘population problem’ of stray dogs
Earlier this year in May, posters opposing dogs at large in the Japan Garden City (JGC) residential complex were visible. One read, "My child was injured by a dog, would the animal lovers take on the responsibility for this?"
Animal welfare experts say that there have been past attempts and incidents of animal cruelty at the hands of the complex authority. It is nothing new.
"We have spoken to a representative of the previous JGC committee; they were well-informed about the Act. The previous committees were not like the current one, not this violent," said Kawsar Shakil, Executive Director, Obhoyaronno, an animal welfare organisation.
The Animal Welfare Act 2019 specifically outlaws the culling of dogs or acts that maim or harm dogs. While past attempts were "planned" by the complex authority, they were blocked or prevented in time by animal welfare organisations, added Shakil.
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Over the weekend, Japan Garden City went viral on social media, and soon news reports followed. The residential complex in Dhaka city had been accused of a dog culling operation, which saw the death of at least 10 dogs and one cat.
Residents witnessed stray dogs and the cat shaking, writhing in pain and vomiting blood due to poisoning. Most of them died shortly after.
This incident once again brings the issue of animal cruelty across the country to the fore, persisting despite the efforts of volunteer animal welfare organisations. It also caused a rightful uproar on social media and drew in many to protest at JGC on Saturday.
JGC is not the only case of a "collective" act of animal cruelty. Apart from scattered incidents of animal cruelty and killings by individuals, other committees have taken matters into their own hands as well.
In 2022, the Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) authority reportedly killed 18 dogs. "We have filed a case against the authority, the case is still ongoing," said Rakibul Emil, founder and chairman of People for Animal Welfare (PAW). He also cited other cases of culling such as at Pink City Model Town (Bashundhara) and Bijoy Rakeen City (Mirpur).
"This is common at housing societies," he added.
Meanwhile, JGC and Rampura have been detected as hotspots for animal cruelty complaints, according to Shakil.
The negative attitude towards stray animals in the country has long been contested by animal rights activists. Some point to religious beliefs, while others see stray animals as a nuisance that should be eliminated.
In isolated cases of animal cruelty, it can indicate a psychological problem for the perpetrator. People who physically abuse or torture dogs, break limbs or spine and seem to take pleasure from it, in most cases, display this level of violence as an expression of their inner agony, Kazi Mustafizur Rahman, Chief Operating Officer, Psychological Health & Wellness Clinic Ltd, told TBS in a previous story.
When it comes to a collective decision, i.e of a committee to cull dogs by any means necessary, that indicates a larger problem. It is perhaps correct to assume a behavioural pattern. "If we do not address this [cases of animal cruelty] as a social problem, then we will fail to solve it," said Emil, "stray dogs are part of the city. We need to understand that."
It is imperative to understand that 'incidents' can happen such as dogs biting but attitude change can prevent disproportionate responses. "For instance, we can strain our ankles while walking outside, does that mean we will break the pavement?" commented Emil.
The practice of poisoning to kill a living thing is common, Emil explained. "It is an ancient practice really, to eliminate something unwanted. Because it is easy to do. This is why we require a change in attitude."
Another "bad practice" that has surfaced, according to Emil, is that private citizens call welfare organisations to rescue or help them when "culling" or animal cruelty incidents take place. This happens because there is a lack of government agencies accountable for animal rights. "When people call 999, they get confused about who to send," added Emil.
While advocacy for animal rights and awareness to change people's attitudes remain important, the population control of stray dogs is another top priority for animal welfare organisations.
'It's a solvable problem'
Experts have long advocated for sterilisation programmes — more commonly known as CNVR (catch-neuter-vaccinate-return) programs. This can help to keep the population under control.
According to Obhoyaronno, Dhaka city's stray dog population – which was around 46,000 in their 2020 census – doubled by 2023. "This happened because during the lockdown people fed stray dogs which contributed to the uptick in the population."
For population control, Obhoyaronno said it needs more time. Successful sterilisation programs — which will see 100% of the city's stray dog population covered and yet to be achieved— will lead to the gradual decline of the population, making it manageable.
"About 2 lac and 65,000 dogs are sterilised every month in Thailand," said Shakil, "the problem at our hand is solvable. We intend to resume the programme in February and hope to complete 100% coverage in two years."
Obhoyaronno is also drafting a legal case against JGC, and the complex authority was also aware of the organisation's plans for sterilisation, added Shakil. "This is a criminal offence, and we will ensure those responsible are brought to justice. We won't let this slide," Rubaiya Ahmed, Obhoyaronno's founder, earlier told the media.
