The shortage of practicing veterinarians in Fiji and the high cost of de-sexing by animal welfare organizations are some of the factors that is contributing to the stray dog problem in the country.
This was highlighted by the Greater Good Foundation spokesperson Shaheez Khan who says that currently there are only two to three registered practicing vets in Fiji and that most businesses charge people around $300 to 350 for such surgery.
Khan further says the government has neglected the need to address the issue of street dogs and animal welfare more broadly therefore the stray dog population has never been effectively managed.
He says the solution in the past has been to either ignore the problem altogether or embark on midnight poisoning campaigns.
Khan says this is as barbaric as it is ineffective leading to huge public outcries.
Meanwhile, the Co-Founder and Managing Trustee of Animals Fiji Casey Quimby say shortage of vets is a concern and Animals Fiji is in the process of working with the Lautoka City Council on such issues.
She says some of the challenges faced by the organization in addressing these issues are less community engagement, funding, and support from the government.
The Co-Founder also says to address the issue of the high cost of de-sexing, Animals Fiji provides discounts for their services with help and support from donations through fundraising and campaigns.
The Animals Fiji also had de-sexing campaigns with the SPCA Fiji and Pacific Animal Shelter and Hospital to support people who could not afford to de-sex their pets.
