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India and Nepal 2022
One feature of life here in Yangon that you get used to is stray dogs. There are estimated to be 200,000 stray dogs in the city's 33 townships up from 70,000 three years ago according to one article I read. I am not sure of the reliability of the figures but 100,000 is a figure not disputed by many.
Because of the risk to public health from rabies and other communicable diseases, the authorities are beginning to take the issue seriously.
There have been some organised poisoning strategies but these have been challenged by animal welfare groups and so the issue remains unresolved.
I walk past stray dogs every day including three who live right outside my apartment. Normally they are docile and sleep through much of the heat of the day. Today on my walk to work, I counted at least 30 dogs, one of whom I gave a wide berth to as it seemed a little agressive, although this is rare.
I have asked for help two or three times from local people in my community to remove them from my stairwell or distract them as I walk past. At nightime you can often hear the barking sounds and dog fights.
My VSO volunteer colleague Sarah was bitten and needed immediate hospital medication and booster vaccinations. Therefore I do not become complacent.
A bizarre sight I saw in H'pa An was a stray dog spray painted blue all over to denote that it was dead and could be collected by the authorities for disposal.
Another aspect of of living here and experiencing a way of life so alien to back home.
Because of the risk to public health from rabies and other communicable diseases, the authorities are beginning to take the issue seriously.
There have been some organised poisoning strategies but these have been challenged by animal welfare groups and so the issue remains unresolved.
I walk past stray dogs every day including three who live right outside my apartment. Normally they are docile and sleep through much of the heat of the day. Today on my walk to work, I counted at least 30 dogs, one of whom I gave a wide berth to as it seemed a little agressive, although this is rare.
I have asked for help two or three times from local people in my community to remove them from my stairwell or distract them as I walk past. At nightime you can often hear the barking sounds and dog fights.
My VSO volunteer colleague Sarah was bitten and needed immediate hospital medication and booster vaccinations. Therefore I do not become complacent.
A bizarre sight I saw in H'pa An was a stray dog spray painted blue all over to denote that it was dead and could be collected by the authorities for disposal.
Another aspect of of living here and experiencing a way of life so alien to back home.
- comments
Peter Hi Rich - unbelievable problem! I remember taking the photo of you getting your jab. Wide grin in the picture - wide birth on the streets! Take care Bro.