Humane, effective and sustainable dog population management (DPM) is a challenge worldwide, and especially so in Lebanon.
To better prepare for the challenges faced here, Animals Lebanon took part in the 2nd International Conference on Dog Population Management.
Taking place this week in Istanbul, the specific aims of the conference are:
* To facilitate discussions and sharing of information on DPM among stakeholders;
* To promote awareness of novel approaches to DPM
* To encourage inter-sectoral collaboration, innovation and policy development
* To provide evidence-based information for effective, humane DPM;
* To promote animal and human health and wellbeing by reducing the incidence of zoonoses and the environmental impacts associated with dog population control.
Homeless dogs suffer from malnutrition, disease, injury through traffic accidents, injury through fighting and abusive treatment. Owned dogs often suffer from the same problems because of irresponsible guardianship.
Humanely reducing the number of homeless dogs, while improving the welfare of owned dogs, requires a comprehensive approach. Aspects such as education, legislation, registration and identification, sterilization, holding facilities, euthanasia, vaccinations, and access to resources must all be considered.
The draft law requires a national plan including these aspects. It also requires each municipality to act according to this plan.
We are talking now with some municipalities that are open to such an approach, and trying to make improvements even before the law is enacted.
Shooting or poisoning will do nothing to reduce the number of homeless dogs. It also does not address the source of these dogs.
Only by regulating places that sell dogs – pet shops, breeders, even veterinary clinics - and improving responsible guardianship can we start to see improvements.
Want to learn more – check out the videos of all the conference presentations!