Over 2,000 dogs desexed in Fiji's stray control push

Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture is intensifying its campaign to manage the nation's burgeoning stray dog population, having successfully desexed more than 2,000 dogs this year. Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Andrew Tukana acknowledged that while progress is being made, significantly reducing the number of stray animals is a long-term endeavor.

Dr. Tukana highlighted desexing as a primary strategy to curb reproduction and control the overall population. The issue has gained traction, prompting discussions in Parliament regarding amendments to the Public Health Act, driven by community concerns over stray dog attacks and public safety. "The solution is a bit long term… once you desex, they don’t reproduce, so it won’t just happen overnight," he explained.

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The solution is a bit long term… once you desex, they don’t reproduce, so it won’t just happen overnight.

The ministry is collaborating with local municipalities and animal welfare organizations. They are also urging dog owners to ensure their pets are properly licensed and restrained. Dr. Tukana clarified that poisoning campaigns, once a method of control, are now largely discontinued in urban centers.

However, such measures might still be considered in rural farming communities where stray dogs pose a significant threat to livestock. "We only do them on request from farms or farmers in the rural areas," Dr. Tukana stated. He emphasized that effectively addressing the stray dog problem necessitates robust cooperation among government agencies, local authorities, and the community, underscoring responsible pet ownership as crucial for success.

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We do not do that anymore in the city areas or open centres. We only do them on request from farms or farmers in the rural areas.