Livestock division seeks measures to address issue of stray dog attack in Gizo
By Alfred Pagepitu
The Livestock Division within the Ministry of Agriculture is looking at the best possible way to address the issue of stray dog attacks in Gizo town.
A team from the Division has already conducted an assessment of the situation.
Director Ricky Wate said they are working on identifying the best solution that balances human safety and animal welfare.
In an earlier statement, the non-executive member of the Western provincial assembly for Bilua Ward Hon. Kadiba Alu has raised serious concerns about the increasing number of stray dog attack incidents in Gizo town.
This comes after a recent dog attack on an 8-year-old child victim which further heightened the need for immediate action.
“There is an immediate concern as the safety of the public, especially children, is at great risk due to the increase in stray dogs.”
The Dog Committee, with political support from the Premier and Provincial Government, should be addressing this issue,” Hon. Alu said.
Member for Bilua ward 8 Hon. Kadiba Alu | Photo: Diba Soloi Alu on facebook
He stressed that the Premier, together with the Town Council, needs to quickly take immediate action to regain the confidence and trust of the public, who are currently losing faith in the authorities’ ability to handle the situation.
He questioned how long this issue will continue before the public can move freely without the fear of random attacks by stray dogs.
Meanwhile, Wate said they are awaiting for dog poisoning supplies to arrive from Australia.
An assessment will be made once the supplies arrive before taking the appropriate steps.
“We are currently waiting for the dog poisoning supplies to arrive from Australia, which will then undergo assessment before the authorities can proceed with the dog poisoning process to rid the area of the stray dogs.”
He advised Gizo residents, especially children, to stay out and safe from dog attacks.
“I would like to advise our people to be cautious, especially during the night or evening hours, until the authorities can address the issue,” Wate said.
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