Letter to the Editor |12 April 2023

Stray dogs: A collective responsibility

The issue of stray dogs in Seychelles has been a topic of debate on social media in recent days. Many people are looking for someone to blame, while others are searching for better solutions to address the problem.

The recent events surrounding the issue of stray dogs in Seychelles have served as a wake-up call to our society. It has become clear that this is a serious problem that requires urgent attention and action from all citizens.

While the problem of stray dogs may have been ignored or overlooked in the past, it is now clear that we can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to this issue.

This awakening has resulted in a renewed sense of urgency and a growing recognition of the need for collective participation in resolving the problem. It is only by working together, across all segments of society, that we can find lasting solutions to this issue.

It is important to recognise that the responsibility for solving this problem lies with dog owners and the community as a whole. No dog becomes a stray simply by virtue of being born; they are typically abandoned or chased away at some point.

Therefore, we must take ownership of the problem and work together to find solutions within our communities. As MNA Gervais Henrie noted in the National Assembly in response to the state-of-the-nation address recently, problems in our districts can only be solved by members of our community.

Animal advocates, particularly those concerned with dogs, should consider finding solutions at the community level. Stray dogs have seemingly become a quasi-state of emergency, which has led to drastic measures such as culling by poisoning which is provided for under the Control and Protection of Dogs Act 2018. What is wrong is that in the implementation of the law the methodology was not prescribed in the subsequent legislation SI 29 of 2021. Poisoning should have been the last resort, but instead the lazy way out was chosen. This manner of stray dog control is an inhumane act which is simply unacceptable in a modern society and moreover it is also not a sustainable long-term answer to the problem. The solution remains with dog owners who should take responsibility of not letting their dogs go astray.

To increase community involvement in the movement towards stray dog control, we may consider to create volunteer dog brigades in each sub-district, working closely with the relevant authorities, including the emergency district brigades to address the problem in a more coordinated manner.

Ultimately, this is a collective responsibility of dog owners, those affected by the problem, and the authorities. We must come together as a humane society to find the most positive and effective ways to address this issue.

In addition to operating at the community level, another potential solution to the issue of stray dogs in Seychelles is education by the media and in schools. The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) has been doing its part by providing some educational programmes on television, including on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

By increasing awareness of the importance of proper pet care, including spaying and neutering, licensing, and vaccination, we can help prevent dogs from becoming strays in the first place. Additionally, teaching children about the proper treatment of animals can help instil a culture of compassion and respect for all living beings.

The media can continue to play a vital role in this effort by increasing the frequency and reach of their educational programmes. By partnering with animal welfare organisations and community leaders, they can help spread the message of responsible pet ownership and help prevent future stray dog populations from forming. It would be absolutely necessary that the community and the authorities get engaged and continue to provide support to organisations like SSPCA and dog shelters such as Pet Haven and others.

Ultimately, it will take a combination of education, community involvement, and government action to effectively address the issue of stray dogs in Seychelles. However, by working together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of both the dogs and the people affected by this issue.

It is encouraging to see that the issue of stray dogs in Seychelles have finally sparked a dialogue and discussions on how we can collectively address the problem. This is a positive step forward and it is essential that we all engage actively in these conversations. By sharing our ideas and perspectives, we can help shape effective solutions that work for everyone.

M.F Goderich