HERAT (The Killid Group) – Health officials and a number of residents in Herat are concerned about the presence of stray dogs in different parts of the province, as reports suggest dogs bit people, causing fear in some residential areas.
Mah Soltan, a local resident and a mother, said to The Killid that her two sons have been hospitalized in a local facilities after being bitten by stray dogs.
“Stray dogs are more common in Herat than in previous years,” she added, as she plead doctors to take better care of her sick sons despite financial challenges.
Mohammad Arif Jelani, a local physician, said at least 10 residents daily come to the health center for treatment – who are bitten by stray dogs.
“During the current year, at least two person – who were bitten by stray dogs – have died,” he added.
Meanwhile, head of local Public Health, said previously its department had responsibility for injecting toxins into the food of stray dogs; however, the department now has no responsibility in collecting stray dogs due to lack of facilities and manpower.
Ghulam Hazrat Mushafiq, Herat mayor, said the municipal, in collaboration with other private and government organs, are attempting to establish a commission in order to clear the city out from stray dogs.
Local municipal and Public Health departments have had a joint plan in recent years to assemble stray dogs, but most believe the program has not yielded satisfactory results.
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Somaya Wali Zada of The Killid Group has contributed to this report.
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