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Animal welfare : Stop cruelty against our strays

20 février 2015, 10:31

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Mauritius  has hit the headlines for quite some time as the tropical paradise island condoning cruelty to animals. Many might not be aware, but Mauritius has been exporting monkeys to UK and USA for laboratory experiments. Protests have been held in Europe and USA to stop this cruel practice but not much has been achieved.

 

Recently, the minister of Environment Raj Dayal has made a statement about the Government’s intention to implement the “catch and kill” practice. For those who are not aware, it means that the beach dogs will be caught by MSAW (Mauritius Society of Animal Welfare) and kept for three days in the pound. If no one claims them or adopts them, they will be euthanized. Mr Dayal has not made any statement to the media or to any animal welfare group as to the method which will be used to euthanize these dogs.

 

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) does not condone mass destruction as a population control measure of dogs unless there are valid reasons for justifying euthanasia.

 

«It can be acceptable in cases where dogs are unsuitable  for homing, when they cannot be returned to the streets or to alleviate shelter overcrowding which compromises their welfare (WSPA, 2000).» The nationallegislation of many countriessuch as Italy does not alloweuthanasia of unwanted roamingdogs unless they havean incurable condition orare proven to be dangerous.Unattended dogs are placedin long-term shelters.

 

Mr. Dayal made a statement in the Mauritian press that this activity is being done for national interests. What Mr. Dayal and the Government fail to understand is that this is completely the contrary. The tourists and foreign nationals are the ones who are mostly against that kind of policy. Most of those who have signed the petitions against the Government’s decision are Europeans, Americans and many others from around the world. They are already talking about boycotting Mauritius as a holiday destination.

 

TEMPORARY REMEDY

 

Euthanasia is only a temporary remedy that treats the  symptoms but not the causes of the problems of overpopulation. The Government has been dealing with the same problem since 1972.

 

The Government should use the money intended for the euthanasia to promote a mass sterilization campaign and animal awareness, to focus on public education and the supervision of breeding and to promote adoption. It should also implement more severe animal welfare laws.

 

The Government needs to supervise more closely all animal welfare organizations including MSAW. Misuse of power must be looked into, books must be audited regularly, corruption eradicated. Simple and flexible rules and regulations must be set up as to make life easier for Mauritian dog owners.

 

A report of the International Animal Rescue organisation states that : “the (MSAW) have a fine infrastructure, however they seem to have lost their way. (Following) policies based on a militaristic view of animal control rather than a compassionate animal welfare policy.”

 

 

Devinia Gokulsing SOOKIA

(A Mauritian born American who lives in USA. She is a barrister, journalist and author.)