Dog baits ordered, Gizo gears up for mass stray dog culling due to growing incidents of dog attacks on residents

THE Western Provincial Capital of Gizo is bracing for mass clearance of stray dogs as responsible authorities have already ordered dog baits for the culling exercise.

This move comes in response to growing concerns over the increasing number of stray dogs in the provincial capital and the growing incidents of stray dog attacks on residents.

Speaking to Solomon Star in an interview, Gizo Town Clerk Charles Kelly said the Permanent Secretary (PS) of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Samson Viulu has already advised the Director of Livestock Division that the recommended dog bait will be purchased in Australia any time soon.

Mr Kelly said that as soon as the recommended dog bait is purchased, the Western Provincial Government Environment Division and MAL will conduct a two-week awareness in Gizo on the culling exercise.

He said after the two weeks awareness, a mass culling exercise of all stray dogs will be rolled out using the dog baits.

The Provincial Chief Environmental Health Inspector Rendy Solomon will take the lead in the awareness rollout.

During the awareness, the public will be informed on where the dog baits will be placed.

A burial site for the stray dogs has been identified in the Mile 3 area.

Mr Kelly said a ‘huge hole’ will be prepared for the burial of the culled stray dogs.

He emphasized that the dog baits will only be used by responsible authorities and not be given to residents to use.

Mr Kelly said some residents have already asked if they too could use the dog baits.

“But that won’t be possible. Only authorized authorities will use the dog baits,” he added.

The decision to carry out the culling was not made lightly but with much thought as it is the only necessary measure to address the ongoing issue of high stray dog population and the threat they pose to public safety.

Reports of dog attacks from previous years up until now in Gizo and the general nuisance caused by these canines prompt swift action from the Gizo Town Council (GTC).

The dog baits are expected to arrive in Gizo within the coming months.

 The culling operation will be conducted under strict supervision to ensure the safety of the community.

GTC has assured the public that the culling will be carried out in accordance with all relevant laws.

They have also emphasized that this is a temporary measure aimed at bringing the situation under control while a long-term solution is considered.

By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo