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| Sunday, 20 January 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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War against rabies and stray dogs by CHANDIMA ARAMBEPOLA
For centuries man has been linked to his canine partner - the dog. Amazing as it may seem, this relationship transcends all barriers of race, creed and wealth. But at times, man does not seem to appreciate the value of his four-legged friend. At present, the problem of roaming stray dogs has become the main cause of rabies and other health and sanitation problems. While the authorities take the hard line stance of eradicating stray canines, certain humanitarian groups have been working tirelessly to help these animals. Similarly, in the hills of Kandy, a group of animal lovers have banded together to form an organization to help these 'damned' creatures abandoned and straying in the hill capital. Since its inception in 1999, the members of the Kandy Association for Community Protection and Animal Welfare (KACPAW) have been working diligently to formulate a programme to help stray dogs and eradicate rabies. Within a period of barely three years, KACPAW has come to be known for its good work and humane approach towards the control of stray dogs in the city. The challenges and difficulties faced by the KACPAW are numerous but today it has gained recognition locally and internationally due to its commitment. The problem of stray dogs is not something unique to Kandy or the Central Province and the puppies that find their way to KACPAW are vaccinated against rabies and sterilized to prevent unwanted births. Of the dogs that KACPAW handles, almost 90% are females. Up to date it has handled around 900 dogs of which about 670 have been re-homed. Speaking of the activities of the society, Mrs. Champa Fernando, Treasurer of KACPAW points out the importance of formulating a national policy to eradicate rabies from Sri Lanka. The initial proposal, which was drafted by KACPAW, was handed over to the Health Ministry for approval. KACPAW is eagerly awaiting the reaction of the Ministry officials. The proposal talks of a nationwide rabies eradication and sterilization program that has to be conducted for at least five years. "The campaign should be in the same magnitude as the Polio eradication campaign. Our country, being an island is perfectly located to control rabies and stop it from spreading. If we formulate this program properly, eradication of rabies from Sri Lanka is not an impossible task". This proposal shall be the talking point of a conference that is to be jointly organized by the KACPAW and WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals). Scheduled to be held next year, this conference will specifically be for the officials who would be actively involved in the programme. They would take centre stage to voice their opinions and mutually agree on a proper plan of action. Apart from formulating a national rabies eradication programme, KACPAW is also involved in conducting awareness programs and free sterilization campaigns. Having conducted several successful sterilization programmes, it hopes to go to grass root levels to help the needy. School children are also educated on the importance of eradicating rabies and practising responsible pet care. Mrs. Fernando stressed on the responsibility of having a dog at home. "One must realize that this is a long standing responsibility and the owner should be prepared to look after the dog for at least eight years. You cannot take in a dog and then dump it just because it is sick. The owner has a responsibility towards the pet and society itself". KACPAW also promotes the adoption of "Sri Lankan" dogs that are more suited to the local conditions. Hence, they are not prone to many diseases and do not fall sick so often. Mrs. Fernando also had this to say, "When a dog or puppy is adopted from the shelter, you are actually giving a chance to another dog who might be dying of negligence on the road. So, by adopting a dog from the shelter, one is actually helping another dog to find life". The society's rabies-eradication activities are enhanced with the construction of a new shelter in Uda Peradeniya, have made KACPAW stand out tall from many other organizations. With meagre resources and hurdles to overcome every step of the way, it strives on with a positive attitude to find lasting solutions for the problems faced by man's best friend. The solutions, needless to say, are not always easy to find. |
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