Stagnant in handling a pack of hundreds of stray dogs

According to Phan Thi Tim, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of the Con Dao district, there is currently a significant number of stray dogs in the area. This issue arises from the influx of freelance workers who come to live and work on the island. These workers or families typically keep one or two dogs for companionship or security. However, when they return to the mainland, they leave these dogs behind on the island.

Without care, these dogs roam around residential areas in search of food and shelter. Initially, their numbers were not large, but over the years, with natural reproduction, the population of stray dogs has become uncontrollable.

"Although we do not have exact statistics, the number of these stray dogs is very large, reaching hundreds. These are the hardest to manage as we cannot vaccinate or confine them," Tim explained.

Usually, stray dogs are caught by the team, and the owners are notified to reclaim them, committing to proper leashing and muzzling. However, the district is perplexed about handling the stray dog population because further steps are unclear.

"Space is limited, there are no caretakers, and there is no budget to maintain this population of stray dogs. We have also contacted several centres and universities to donate dogs for scientific research, but all have declined due to the distance and transportation challenges. For humanitarian reasons and following current guidelines, Con Dao also cannot euthanize these dogs. This puts us in a dilemma", Tim stated.

In addition to stray dogs, owned dogs being allowed to roam freely are increasing the risk of biting incidents and traffic hazards for tourists and residents in the area. In 2023, Con Dao district recorded a total of 115 rabies vaccination cases due to dog bites. Fortunately, there have been no reported cases involving foreign victims.

According to Le Van Phong, Chairman of the Con Dao District People's Committee, the district has also directed units to regularly capture stray dogs in the area. However, this task faces numerous challenges that need gradual resolution.

"The district lacks local personnel for dog-catching because residents do not want to participate due to the danger and the job's instability. Currently, the stray dog-catching team uses techniques such as noose and net catching, managed by one person. Additionally, the wide area makes it difficult to surround and capture dogs, resulting in low efficiency", Mr Phong reported.

According to statistics from the Con Dao District Economic Office, as of April 2024, there are 928 dogs across 516 households in nine residential clusters. This dog population is well-controlled by Con Dao, with nearly 90% of these pets vaccinated.

The stray dog-catching team also faces many other difficulties in their work, especially conflicts with dog owners. When unable to reclaim their dogs from the team, many owners resort to using knives, chairs, sticks, and other items to intimidate or attack the team. Fortunately, other team members often intervene promptly, and the district police are called in to handle these situations.

Moreover, due to Con Dao's isolated location and small population, many people are reluctant to join the dog-catching team because they fear damaging relationships with acquaintances. Team members have even faced instances where individuals block their vehicles or come to their homes to threaten them.

The Con Dao District People's Committee has announced it will take stricter measures against stray dogs to maintain rabies-free zones and ensure the safety of tourists and residents. The police and community security forces will also be strengthened to ensure the safety of the stray dog-catching team.

Additionally, ensuring rabies safety and controlling stray dogs will be emphasized by the People's Committee and used as a basis for end-of-year evaluations for all units, party members, officials, and civil servants in the district.