Neten Dorji | Kanglung

Kanglung hospital recorded 104 dog bite cases last year. In the last three months, the hospital provided anti-rabies vaccine to 81 dog bite victims. 

Data review indicates dog bite cases are increasing. In the last nine days, 10 individuals visited the hospital  for anti-rabies vaccine.

Kanglung residents also claimed stray dog population is increasing in Kanglung town, Sherubtse College and Shedra area. They said pack of dogs chase children, joggers, visitors, the old and the weak. 

A nurse said they had an average of two dog bite cases every day in the last three months but it decreased recently.  “Other than dog bites, we also give anti rabies vaccines to those bitten by cats and rats.”

A resident, Kencho, said she is scared to go out of her house because of the dogs. “We can’t walk through the street without a stick on hand.”

Another resident, Pema, said it is difficult going for morning and evening walks, as the dogs attack them.

Residents say livestock officials conduct mass dog sterilization and vaccination campaigns annually, but the dog population is still increasing. Some say the dog population is increasing, as they cannot catch and sterilise all dogs.

A businessman, Chimi Dorji, allege farmers from nearby villagers are leaving their dog in the town.

Dzongkhag veterinary officials said they would soon start a mass sterilisation programme under the national waste management and stray dog population control flagship programme. 

They said they completed a survey on stray dog population in the entire dzongkhag and would now implement dog population control measures.