29 March, Thimphu: The nationwide free-roaming dog sterilization campaign under the Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Program (NADPM & RCP) was launched yesterday across the country. In Thimphu, the campaign was launched at the Dzongkhag Veterinary Hospital in Ramtokto by His Excellency, the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
Considering the COVID-19 situation in the country, the campaign will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will be implemented from 29 March to 11 April 2022. In the first phase, the campaign with requisite number of teams will target and sterilize 100% of the free-roaming dogs in 11 Dzongkhags covering Bumthang, Gasa, Haa, Lhuentse, Mongar, Paro, Thimphu, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Trongsa and Tsirang. However, a smaller team will operate simultaneously in the remaining nine Dzongkhags.
The second phase will be implemented from 18 April 18 to 1 May 2022 with the campaign continuing in the remaining nine Dzongkhags with requisite number of teams to target and sterilize 100% of the free-roaming dogs.
The nationwide free-roaming dog population survey carried out in December 2021 has shown a total number of 72621 free-roaming dogs in the country. Of the total free-roaming dogs, 37% were free-roaming owned dogs and 63% were free-roaming unowned dogs. Paro, Samtse, Trashigang, Thimphu and Chhukha have a comparatively higher free-roaming dog population compared to other Dzongkhags in the country.
The launching event was also graced by Venerable Leytshog Lopen and the Hon’ble Sanam Lyonpo. It was also attended by the Hon’ble Agriculture Secretary, De-suung DG, Thimphu Dzongda, Thimphu Thrompon and relevant stakeholders along with officials from the Ministry.
The campaign is a joint program between the Department of Livestock and De-suung Office. It is supported by respective Dzongkhag/Thromde/Gewog Administration.
– Department of Livestock
