BAGLUNG: The growing number of stray dogs on the streets of Baglung Bazaar, attributed to the abandonment of pet dogs, uncontrolled breeding and other factors, has prompted Baglung Municipality to establish a “dog hostel.”
The facility has been set up to manage stray dogs and reduce the risks of rabies and other diseases associated with them. Located at Simle in Baglung Municipality-3, the hostel currently shelters 30 dogs.
In operation since last July, the facility accommodates dogs rescued from streets, public squares and other areas of Baglung Bazaar. Sick and injured dogs are also rescued, treated and cared for at the hostel.
With the assistance of the municipal police, the Animal Development Branch catches stray dogs, provides them with vaccinations and transfers them to the hostel.
The facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 50 dogs. The municipality has assigned an employee to look after the animals. The dogs are generally fed meat and rice in the morning, while milk and rice are provided in the evening.
The hostel was constructed on five ropanis of land at a total cost of Rs 10 million, with Rs 6.5 million contributed by the Gandaki Province government and Rs 3.5 million by the municipality.
Baglung Municipality has also been vaccinating both pet and stray dogs against rabies and providing necessary medicines free of charge. It has made the registration of domestic dogs mandatory, with a registration fee of Rs 200.
Registered dogs are entitled to free vaccination and medicines from the municipality. The local government also manages the bodies of dogs that die.
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