Female dogs are forced to breed at an early age, often before they are a year old, exposing these animals to physical and emotional strain
In Nepal we have the second day of Tihar as the 'Day of the dogs', to worship canines all over the country. The festival is practised to appease the Hindu god of death, Yama, as dogs are considered his messengers.
It is also practised to appreciate the loyalty and companionship they provide to humans. We shower dogs with garlands and offer tasty treats treating them specially on this day. However, before and after the festivities, these same dogs -especially the street ones - are neglected and subjected to cruelty and inhumane treatment. Isn't it hypocritical that we act in this manner?
Kathmandu is home to approximately 22,000 stray dogs, according to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). These street dogs are often victims of starvation, disease and abuse.
Other common realities for these animals are attacks from other dogs, accidents and the constant threat of rabies. Stray dogs also contribute to a growing public health issue, as attacks have caused serious injuries, with some requiring hospitalisation. Although the KMC's sterilisation and vaccination campaign has helped sterilise 4,938 dogs, and vaccinated 11,308 dogs in the past few months, we cannot ignore the fact that the street dog population must be dealt with properly.
According to a survey conducted by Animal Nepal, 76.7 per cent of breeders and 69.7 per cent of sellers do not have the necessary licenses to breed or sell. These breeders often operate in poor conditions, where female dogs are forced to breed at an early age, often before they are a year old. Their research also states that 45.5 per cent of breeders start breeding female dogs as soon as they turn two years old, while 15.15 per cent start at just 1.5 years old, exposing these animals to physical and emotional strain. In fact, 6.7 per cent of breeders admitted to mating dogs with an incest rate higher than 25 per cent, which can lead to severe health issues for the puppies. These breeding practices are driven by a growing demand for purebred dogs. Dog breeding in Nepal is not properly regulated, even though the Ministry of Livestock Development oversees animal welfare to an extent in Nepal. Some 76.7 per cent of breeders in Kathmandu, for instance, have no licenses, and 33.3 per cent of breeders are not registered as businesses. There is an obvious lack of oversight that is resulting in a scenario where breeders are operating carefree, leading to inbreeding, and the never-ending cycle of unhealthy dogs.
There are an approximate 40 amateur breeders in Kathmandu alone, where 70 per cent of the demand of the purebred dogs are met by these breeders, according to the Kennel Club of Nepal. The harsh reality is that due to the uncontrolled breeding, it results in poorly bred dogs, which causes them to often face lifelong physical ailments and behavioural problems.
The secretary of the Kennel Club of Nepal, Jagannath Dhakal, stated that there are currently only a handful of registered breeders in the country. There is a need for a mandatory licensing system for breeders that will help curb the harmful practices of backyard breeders. The perpetuation of the cycle of abuse for dogs originates from the demand for purebred puppies in Nepal. This in turn sparks the puppy mill industry and causes it to flourish.
Sneha Shrestha, the founder of Sneha's Care, has stated that the best way to combat this issue is to promote the adoption of mixed-breed street dogs. Although the situation is dire, animal welfare organisations such as Animal Nepal, Vet 4 Ur Pet, Oxsa Nepal and Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre Nepal are actively working to rescue and rehabilitate dogs in need.
Public awareness campaigns are needed to embed the issue into the minds of the public so that they understand the importance of ethical pet ownership. Community groups, schools and even social media can be used to promote the message that adopting is far better than purchasing from unlicensed breeders.
Most importantly, the government needs to intervene and aid animal welfare organisations that have been working tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate helpless dogs. Even though these groups have been working efficiently, their funding, volunteers and support are lacking to meet the requirements of the helpless dogs in Nepal. With improved resources, these organisations can run more sterilization and vaccination drives and raise awareness about the state of street dogs in Nepal.
Our mindset as Nepalese must change when we attempt to bring a dog into our family, which can aid this ongoing issue. Consider adopting a street dog or a rescued animal instead of purchasing from breeders. Mixed-breed dogs have been found to be more adaptable to Nepal's environment due to them being healthier and more resilient. Donating to an animal welfare organisation will always go a long way since they are continuously operating with tight budgets.
Additionally, in a scenario where you witness the abuse of street dogs, or poor breeding practices, please alert it to the local authorities or an animal welfare group to halt this evil action. The toll-free number for authorities and animal welfare organisations are available online. Remember, a small act of kindness can go a long way, therefore if you can, please provide street dogs with food, water and temporary shelter, and if any of these dogs are in distress, please inform local shelters or rescue groups for assistance.