THE increase in the number of stray dogs around Gizo has irked members of the public, especially the residents of the Western provincial capital.
With the rise in dog attack incidents in various homes and communities, people are now calling on authorities to deal with the stray dogs issue.
“Stray dogs menace is now an issue here in Gizo.
“It is now a public concern that dogs are attacking children, bicycle riders and are now scaring off visitors,” one resident, Arian Lonsdale told Solomon Star Gizo.
He said, aggressive group of dogs are now roaming the back of the town and in residential homes after 8pm.
“This is like a nightmare to us,” Lonsdale added.
The resident of Tophill, near Babylon valley said he was chased several times by barking dogs and there have been a lot of dog attacks being recorded in the past.
As a longtime resident, he therefore calls on local authorities to act now, or else someone will lose his or her life soon from dog bites.
Areas like Tophill, Babylon, Malakerava, Hospital Compound, Gizo main District Town, Banana Valley and other communities in Gizo have so many stray dogs roaming around.
“This has posed high risk for people living in these communities.
“Very soon, people will not be able to walk freely at night time, or even walk to the closest store to purchase food or household items,” Lonsdale stated.
Another resident, Ian Wally also added that stray dogs are almost everywhere in Gizo Town and this is an environmental problem too.
“It really pollutes our environment, such as spreading of diseases that we might don’t even know.
“These dogs are also disturbing vehicle access at the public road, disgusting the environment and many other more,” he said.
Above all, Wally is of the view that the issue has caused threats to human lives especially the vulnerable ones – the children and old people.
Babylon resident, Sterol Kandere also shares his concerns. He said so far, Gizo has been experiencing an increasing number of stray dogs in its neighborhood.
He then calls on responsible authorities to address this growing issue.
Mr Kandere told Solomon Star Gizo that the Gizo Town Council and other responsible people should assist residents in addressing the issue.
“The provincial government should issue a pet license to all dogs and pet owners in Gizo,” he added.
By ULUTAH GINA
Gizo News Bureau
