RSPCA to conduct dog control

The National National

THE Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) will be conducting de-sexing programmes in Port Moresby this month, according to a statement.
“The RSPCA of PNG is broadening its focus to address the root causes of dog over-population in the country by conducting large-scale de-sexing programmes in targeted areas of Port Moresby,” it said.
“The exercise will be undertaken given there is a disparity between the number of unwanted and abandoned animals and the number of prospective owners looking to adopt this year.”
The campaign called “Operation wanted Papua New Guinea” will be a joint initiative by the RSPCA, veterinarians, the National Capital District Commission, organisations, volunteers and communities.
Preliminary dog surveys indicate:

  • a population of more than 100,000 dogs in Port Moresby;
  • between 750 and 2,000 dogs per square kilometre;
  • that less than 10 per cent of owned dogs have been de-sexed;
  • stray and free-roaming dog populations exceed 1,500; and,
  • that dog owners said cost as one of the reasons against de-sexing.

Two programmes have already been scheduled in communities in Port Moresby, with the first taking place this month.
The overall objective is to reduce stray and unwanted dog populations, improve the health and welfare of the dogs and promote responsible pet ownership.