Recently, some media reported that stray dogs were hunted and killed throughout Yanjing Town, Yanjin County, Yunnan Province, and a notice stamped with a government seal was issued. The notice shows that stray dogs are being hunted and killed throughout the town. Those who obstruct or interfere with the hunting of stray dogs will be criticized and educated and administratively punished depending on the severity of the case. Those who violate criminal laws will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The editor first wants to ask, who has the final say on whether to pursue criminal liability?
The second question I want to discuss today is: besides being hunted, are there any better options for dealing with stray dogs?
Let's first take a look at everyone's views on the "dog killing order", and please vote
to support
Don't wait until you are bitten by wild dogs and mad dogs to know whether you should kill dogs.
There are not a few incidents of wild dogs hurting people, which is not conducive to curbing the spread of rabies and threatens people's safety.
Objection
Dogs are man’s loyal friends. Is it appropriate to treat a friend like this?
Why are animals treated so barbarically?
Rationalists
Stray dogs should not be killed, but should be included in a centralized breeding process to stop their wandering.
The number of stray dogs is very harmful to rabies, and hunting and killing is also a helpless move by the government. However, in a civilized society, we only hope that the so-called hunting and killing will not turn into cruel killings, and euthanasia or other methods to reduce suffering will be used as much as possible.
The editor is also a rationalist. Indeed, the "dog killing order" is for the safety of the masses, and the starting point is understandable. However, in terms of methods, the practices in various places are the same as in Yanjin. Large-scale hunting is the first choice, and extremely inhumane methods such as beating to death with sticks are often used.
More importantly, this approach does not cure the root cause.
World Health Organization: “There is no evidence that large-scale dog killing has any significant impact on dog numbers and density, or on the spread of rabies.”
International Fund for Animal Welfare: In some cases, killing stray dogs in large numbers will cause surviving dogs to enter new areas. Increased mobility will actually increase the risk of rabies. Moreover, large-scale killing will allow surviving dogs to obtain more food, thereby enhancing their survival and reproductive capabilities. Within a few years, the number of stray dogs in the area will return to its original level.
In addition to hunting, is there a better destination for stray dogs? Let’s look at international experience.
The United States: Send stray dogs to the center for adoption, and euthanasia will be carried out if no one adopts them within 7 days;
Australia: Stray dogs will be assessed first, and stray dogs that are not suitable for adoption will be euthanized. Dogs that pass the assessment will be sterilized and vaccinated before entering the adoption process;
Japan: Send out abandoned pet recycling trucks to collect pets that are unwanted by their owners, and if no one is adopted within 7 days at the shelter, they will be disposed of humanely.
It can be seen that shelters and rescue stations are currently the best destinations for stray animals. Even if they are not adopted, they can be disposed of in the most rational and humane way. But at present, more shelters are private institutions established by caring people with their own money. They are weak and not a long-term solution.
Therefore, the fundamental solution is to improve the law: on the one hand, relevant departments should establish special shelters for stray animals and formulate standardized adoption procedures; on the other hand, establish a restraint system for dog owners to clarify dog owners’ responsibilities for dog ownership restrictions, requirements for sterilization and breeding, and obligations for civilized dog raising. Violators should be severely dealt with.
Adoption - Give it a chance to be happy
Rescue and adoption are not just temporary intolerance and love, it is really something that requires us to spend time, energy and money. At the same time, their fate is in your mind. If you are not yet capable of being a rescuer, then start by promoting "adopt instead of purchase, raise pets in a civilized manner, do not abandon or harm them", and let people around you treat the animals around you correctly. If you already have the ability to do it, please don't be stingy with your time and money, and try to help it as much as possible within your ability. You will give it a chance to be happy. What is more noble than helping a life?
The editor’s colleague’s cat has been on the road to becoming a noble lady since being adopted.
Latest news: At present, the Yanjing Town Government of Yanjin has responded: “We also realize that this method of treatment is too simple and have stopped killing stray dogs.”