KP Livestock Department leads stray dog neutering initiative

The Livestock and Dairy Development Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has expanded its stray dog neutering program from divisional to district level in the province. The initiative, launched in Peshawar in 2020, aims to control the population of stray dogs and combat the spread of rabies, a deadly zoonotic disease transmitted through dog bites.

Dr. Syed Masoom Ali Shah, Project Director, reported a 50 percent decrease in dog bite cases in Peshawar in 2021, prompting the extension of the project. The program follows the WHO-recommended Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) approach to manage rabies and street dog overpopulation.

The initiative involves neutering stray dogs to prevent reproduction and administering anti-rabies vaccines. Thousands of dogs have already been neutered in Peshawar, leading to a significant reduction in rabies cases at Lady Reading Hospital.

The Livestock Department has trained staff members to operate on dogs and established a modern operation theater in Peshawar. Dogs are marked with collars and tattoos post-operation for identification.

The transition from culling dogs to neutering them has been praised by animal rights groups like PARAG. Dr. Ayeza Haider commended the shift towards a humane approach in rabies control.

The program is now operational in various districts of KP, with plans for further expansion. The initiative not only benefits public health but also promotes ethical treatment of animals, aligning with global standards set by the WHO.