23 images Created 15 Dec 2016
Dogs of Myanmar
As in many countries around the world, Myanmar harbors an abundance of stray dogs. About 180,00 strays live in Yangon alone, Myanmar’s commercial capital. Many homes in the country have dogs as pets, but they typically don’t wear collars and roam free throughout the day. This of course, only adds to the problem of street dog overpopulation.
The stray dogs for the most part, are not subject to abuse and are often fed by members of their respective community. As a majority Buddhist nation, most Burmese show a respect for life and don't typically harm animals. The government does carry out culling campaigns however, using mass poisoning in an attempt to control the street dog population. These attempts have been fruitless, and the numbers of strays continue to grow.
Animal advocates have called for a more humane solution to the problem, including sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination programs. These programs however have been deemed to be too cost prohibitive by the government. Terryl Just, the founder of the Yangon Animal Shelter has called for help from animal welfare groups to develop Trap, Neuter and release programs. Some of these organizations are hesitant to proceed however, until the cessation of the mass poisoning campaigns.
The recent increase of tourism to the country will probably hasten action to control the stray dog overpopulation. Hopefully this will be accomplished in the most humane manner possible.
The stray dogs for the most part, are not subject to abuse and are often fed by members of their respective community. As a majority Buddhist nation, most Burmese show a respect for life and don't typically harm animals. The government does carry out culling campaigns however, using mass poisoning in an attempt to control the street dog population. These attempts have been fruitless, and the numbers of strays continue to grow.
Animal advocates have called for a more humane solution to the problem, including sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination programs. These programs however have been deemed to be too cost prohibitive by the government. Terryl Just, the founder of the Yangon Animal Shelter has called for help from animal welfare groups to develop Trap, Neuter and release programs. Some of these organizations are hesitant to proceed however, until the cessation of the mass poisoning campaigns.
The recent increase of tourism to the country will probably hasten action to control the stray dog overpopulation. Hopefully this will be accomplished in the most humane manner possible.
