Gizo town council to control stray dogs in Gizo town following attacks on humans

By Alfred Pagepitu

The Gizo Task Dog Committee is working on controlling the stray dog population in the provincial capital.

This comes after reports of dog attacks on innocent victims with the recent victim being hospitalized.

In a swift response to these reports, the committee is seeking ways to get rid of the stray dog population.

Charles Kelly, the Chairman of the Committee said the committee will explore legal ways to manage the stray dog population in the provincial capital.

This will be done following directives from the Western Provincial Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

“We will wait for the advice and directives from the Pets Control Board and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) on how to properly manage the stray dog population and look for the best solution.”

“To manage the stray dog population, we have already dug a pit at Mile 3 area to bury any dogs that needed to be removed.”

He said that since the situation is worsening as the stray dog population is increasing, the Premier, Hon. Billy Veo, has advised the committee to carry out this task force immediately.

They have engaged technical experts and professionals from different fields to help out with the proposed action.

The Honiara-based Veterinarian Dr. Joyce Anita presented to the committee and the executive government the options to be followed in getting rid of the dog population.

With the options presented, the committee decided that using dog baits is the best approach.

“We want to manage the stray dog population, but we will do so in a humane and responsible manner,” Mr Kelly explained.

A formal recommendation has been submitted already to the MAL Pets Control Board for approval to carry out the dog population management campaign.

Gizo residents have been asked to remain patient while they deal with the issue in a proper manner.

“I want to assure the residents living in Gizo town and surrounding villages that we are taking this issue seriously and are working to address it in a proper and legal manner.”

The Town Clerk also called on the public to be careful while walking in the evening to reduce the risk of stray dog attacks.

“We are calling for the community to work together to stop the attacks of stray dogs so that we can all live freely without fear of these animals.”

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