THE Western Provincial Assembly Non-Executive Members have expressed concern about the non-action by responsible authorities to deal with the pressing issue of high stray dog population in Gizo and their ongoing attack of residents.
This comes after more people were attacked by packs of stray dogs.
In a press statement issued on behalf of the Non-Executive Government side, the MPA for Ward 8 (Bilua), Kadiba Alu said, this issue needs more attention from the Provincial Premier and his Executive and the Gizo Town Council (GTC).
An 8-year-old child was the latest to be attacked and injured by a pack of stray dogs and MPA Alu said the GTC and the WPG Executive need to promptly address this issue of great public concern.
“The Gizo Dog Committee has been talking about the dog ordinance but made no progress in ensuring its enforcement. The Dog Committee is not walking the talk.
“There is an immediate concern as safety for the public, especially the children, is at great risk with the increased population of stray dogs.
“The Dog Committee with Political support from the Premier and Provincial Government should be addressing this issue,” MPA Alu said.
MPA Alu said the Premier and GTC need to quickly take necessary action immediately if they are to maintain the confidence and trust of the public.
“At the moment, they are losing the trust and confidence of the people,” he added.
He said the recent dog attack occurred in front of the Provincial Office and this does not speak well of the Premier, his executive and the GTC.
“The recent dog attack is not an isolated incident. There were a number of attacks in recent months and year.
“Stray dogs do not select their prey. Next time it could be you. So do something before the dogs attack you and a member of your household,” MPA Alu added.
According to 2022 data sourced from the Gizo Hospital Emergency Department, the hospital recorded 14 cases of individuals seeking medical attention due to dog bites.
From August 2023 up until now,11 cases were recorded, bringing the total number of cases to 25.
However, medical professionals suspect that the actual number of incidents may be higher as a significant number of victims reportedly presented themselves solely to the hospital dressing room for wound care, without ensuring that their cases were recorded.
“This implies that the scope of the issue might be more extensive than the data suggests,” a medical doctor in Gizo said.
Last Thursday, a child was attacked by a pack of stray dogs in front of the BSP Bank in broad daylight.
At that time, many workers and people were also standing at the BSP ATM machine.
It was fortunate that at that time, other people were at the scene of the dog attack and chased away the dogs. The victim got minor injuries to one of his legs.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
