Shooting of stray, untreated dogs flops in Arusha City

HAZLA OMAR in Arusha

KILLING of stray and untreated dogs seem to have hit a snag as most owners hide their pets only to release them after the exercise.

As a result, all stray and untreated canines that had been prowling around the city, are back in the streets much to the dismay of some people who have been complaining against the rising number of dogs in town, threatening adults and children.

According to Sekei Ward Executive Officer Munga Peter, all tamed dogs must remain under lock from 6.00 am to 8.00pm during week days. On weekends, especially on Saturdays, dogs are supposed to be taken for treatments and dip wash sanitisation.

“If a person walks with his or her dog, then they must carry with them veterinary cards indicating that the animals have been given anti-rabies injection and other treatments,” said

The Sekei WEO, adding that the exercise to shoot stray dogs is conducted after every six months and set to return next March 2017. The stray dogs, which are left to wonder aimlessly despite having owners, are the target of the shooting drive.

However, many people upon hearing about the exercise they hide their canines and release them only when the shooters have left. Mr Emmanuel Mollel, a resident of ‘Tanki’ Ilboru, said he was compelled to take the responsibility of burying seven newly killed dogs because he happens to be the only person whose house has enough compound space.

“I fully support the dog shooting exercise not only in the battle against rabid infections but also because the canines carry lots of fleas, bringing in yet another problem,” said Mr Mollel, who recently went around collecting dog carcasses to bury them as stench was already developing.

Records show that at least 10,000 Tanzanians get bitten by dogs every year with about 80 them dying from rabies infections from mostly untreated canines. House pavements, garbage dumpsites, drainage channels and narrow alleys are places where most stray dogs in Arusha are found.