Mass Dog Killings in Hossana Following Rabies Outbreak
Residents of the Ethiopian town of Hossana have been compelled to kill hundreds of their dogs after three children died from rabies. Community groups in the central town issued strict orders to residents, threatening fines and arrests if dogs were not euthanized, regardless of vaccination status, according to local reports.
The directive came after three children succumbed to rabies following dog bites, and approximately 80 others were hospitalized, stated Samuel Shigute, the local mayor.
Eyewitnesses reported to the BBC that some dog owners, reluctant to comply, resorted to hanging or beating their dogs to death, while others surrendered their pets to be killed by others.
The BBC has reviewed graphic images showing dogs hanging from trees and others lying dead in fields with ropes around their necks; these images are too distressing to publish.
The community associations responsible for the killings are affiliated with the local government, though Mayor Samuel described the killings as "illegal" and denied that his administration ordered them.
One resident, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisals, recounted to the BBC that he was ordered to kill his dog but could not do so himself.
"I decided not to kill him myself, but to let them do it without me seeing. I handed him over, and he was killed a little far from the settlement,"
"I am very saddened by the loss of the dog that lived with me for five years and was the pride of our house,"
He added that his dog had been vaccinated against rabies.
Mayor Samuel noted that approximately 70% of Hossana's 10,000 dogs serve as guard dogs and have received rabies vaccinations.
Veterinarian and Animal Rights Concerns
Local veterinarian Alaazar Ayele expressed deep sorrow over the deaths.
"We estimate that 400 to 450 dogs were killed in just a few days,"
"People dragged dogs out and killed them in shocking ways. This is immoral and unacceptable in religion, culture, and law. Videos show owners crying as their dogs were killed."
Rabies is a severe disease typically transmitted to humans through bites or scratches from infected animals such as dogs. Once symptoms appear in humans, the disease is almost always fatal, although early treatment can be effective.
Unvaccinated dogs generally do not survive rabies, as there is no treatment for animals. Consequently, dogs diagnosed with rabies are often euthanized worldwide.
Mayor Samuel stated that local police and security forces halted the dog killings within a day.
However, Feven Melese, who leads the animal rights organization Animal Needs Attention in Addis Ababa and has received reports from Hossana, indicated that although the mass killings have ceased, some individuals continue to pressure residents to remove unvaccinated dogs from their homes.
Alaazar also mentioned that killings are ongoing despite official intervention.
Residents were reportedly threatened with fines of 50,000 birr (approximately $300 or £225) and arrest if they failed to euthanize their dogs, according to one resident.
In Ethiopia, it is illegal to kill animals in public or to subject them to cruel and abnormal suffering.
Mayor Samuel has ordered police to investigate the killings, while Feven has urged authorities to take prompt action.
"The local government bodies say that they did not do it and did not give the order. If not, they should hold the criminals accountable,"
Additional Context
The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing challenges in Ethiopia, including political developments and social issues.
For more news from Africa, visit BBCAfrica.com.
