A MASS execution of stray dogs in the Western Provincial Capital, Gizo, will commence as early as this week.
This came after a young man lost his life after being attacked by a pack of 15 stray dogs in the early hours of last Tuesday.
The deceased who was mentally retarded was walking home alone under the cover of darkness when he was mauled and dragged to side of the road by the stray dogs
Reports said the man could not defend himself and the dogs ripped off his ears and him from his ears and bit him all over his body.
He was found an hour or so later and was rushed to the hospital.
Despite getting a number of stitches to his multiple wounds, they could not save his life because he lost so much blood and was infected by dog rabbies.
A day after being admitted to the hospital, the young man lost his life and was buried on Friday.
The death prompted the Western Provincial Authorities to quickly convene a meeting and one of the resolutions they came up with was to get rid of all stray dogs in the township and the police were charged with the responsibility to conduct an awareness on the mass stray dog execution.
A team from the Gizo police then informed the public that as of this week, they will work with the provincial authorities to start removing all stray dogs in the township and burying them.
Using poisonous substance is likely the option to be implemented, it was highlighted.
Dog owners have been advised to chain their pet dogs within their residential premises to avoid being poisoned, the police had advised.
Members of the public have also been warned not to roam alone at night to avoid being attacked by dogs or anyone.
Following the unfortunate incident, many Gizo residents have vented their anger over the slowness by responsible authorities to remove stray dogs despite a number of previous dog attacks in the township.
“Why wait for someone to die before action is being taken,” one resident said.
It was revealed that stray dogs have attacked many children, women and the elderly.
An elderly mother was attacked last year but luckily survived.
A resident said something must be done to ‘curb this dangerous trend.’
“Whilst we love dogs, if they are not domesticated and controlled, they can be like other wild beasts,” the resident said.
Earlier this year, Solomon Star also reported the risks that stray dogs in Gizo pose to young children and mothers.
This came after a child and a mother were attacked by stray dogs in separate incidents.
The move to remove all stray dogs in Gizo has been welcomed by many residents, especially mothers.
Apart from attacking people, the stray dogs also cause disturbances at night and move around scavenging rubbish and capsizing rubbish bins.
By MOFFAT MAMU
