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Disaster Relief Team Works to Hold off Dog Poisoning

Children showing off animals puppets given them

25 January 2005

As controversy surrounds the Sri Lankan government's announcement to poison abandoned dogs, the HSI Sir Lanka Disaster Relief Team works tirelessly to help hold off the killings.

The government is concerned with the possible spread of rabies and the threat to humans as abandoned dogs get increasingly more aggressive and fight for the limited food.

Dr. Eric Davis (left) and Dr. Komang (right) operating

In the wake of the tsunami, thousands of dogs have been abandoned, resulting in massive breeding and disease outbreaks.  Many of the dogs reside in refugee camps, where they fight for food scraps.  Others live among the  rubble scrounging for food.

The government does not want to kill the dogs but fear a rabies epidemic in the refugee camps.  They are pleased to now be working with the HSI Disaster Relief Team who  are running a sterilization and vaccination program. Mass vaccinations are underway and an estimated 1,300 dogs have already immunized.

Two cats "sleep it off" recovering from their operations

The sterilizations not only keep the population under control, but also reduce the aggressiveness and fighting among the animals.  HSI's Sherry Grant says, "This program is an example of how helping the animals also helps the people in this time of tragedy."

It is hoped that if the program is successful the government will cancel its killing program, which for the time being has only been placed on hold.

The HSI Sri Lanka Disaster Relief Team consists of American veterinarians Eric Davis and Llyod Brown of RAV and a Bali Street Dog team from Indonesia, composed of veterinarians Rai Arniasih and Komang Sudiati, along with veterinarian assistants Nana Prayoga and Ketut Artha.  HSI's Sherry Grant and Robert Blumberg, along with local volunteer Anusha David have been organizing the efforts and keeping the operation supplied.  In order to ensure that the program continues, they are educating Sri Lankan vets, such as Dr. Kumara, in the special field techniques involved.

- Piper Grant