Dhaka launches stray dog vaccination drive

Gulshan Society and Dhaka Animal Welfare Alliance Trust (DAWAT) on Friday launched a programme to vaccinate and collar stray dogs across Dhaka, aiming to protect both animals and people.

The programme was formally inaugurated in the morning at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan by Gulshan Society President Barrister Omar Sadat, who is also president of DAWAT, and DAWAT Secretary General Nazneen Haque Akbar.

Speaking at the event, Omar Sadat said animals and birds had equal rights to coexist with humans in a civilised city.

“Stray dogs are also a part of our urban society. They live with people on our streets, parks and in the surrounding areas. A humane city does not respond to dogs and cats through fear or cruelty. Rather, it responds through responsibility, compassion and practical initiatives,” he said.

He said DAWAT and Gulshan Society intended to jointly vaccinate and collar all stray dogs in Dhaka, with vaccination helping protect both animals and humans.

The collars would also enable residents and relevant authorities to identify vaccinated dogs more easily, he said.

Gulshan Society Secretary General Mojibur Rahman Mridha, Joint Secretary General Jaya Kabir and local dignitaries attended the launch programme.