RESIDENTS of Gizo are urging Premier Billy Veo to take urgent action in addressing the high stray dog population in the Western Provincial township as they continue to attack residents.
Recent reports indicated a significant rise in stray dog attack incidents, raising serious concerns about public safety and animal control.
The call for action reemerged after another serious dog bite incident in the KHY area on Sunday night, escalating tensions within thecommunity.
According to reports, a man was attacked by a dog and subsequently he sought help from his family.
Thereafter, he armed himself with a bush knife and approached the family that owns the dog, requesting permission to kill the animal.
The situation was resolved after the dog-owning family paid compensation for the injuries sustained by the man, leading to a temporary resolution of the tension.
However, this incident has reiterated the importance of addressing the issue of high stray dog population in Gizo.
Community members have expressed frustration over the increasing number of stray dogs and the lack of effective measures to address the problem.
Despite numerous complaints and calls for action in the past years, there has been little progress in addressing the issue.
In a recent interview with Solomon Star, Gizo Town Clerk Charles Kelly said the Permanent Secretary (PS) of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) already advised his Director of Livestock, Ricky Wate to recommend dog bait to address the high stray dog population problem and the baits were to be purchased in Australia any time soon.
Mr Kelly stated that as soon as the recommended dog baits are purchased, the Provincial Division of Environment and MAL will jointly conduct a two-week awareness in Gizo.
He said after the two weeks, they will conduct a mass culling of stray dogs in Gizo by using the poisonous dog baits from Australia.
The Provincial Chief Environmental Health Inspector Rendy Solomon will take the lead in the mass awareness on where the baits will be placed.
However, after all these arrangements were made, no progress was seen and no feedback was provided.
In response to these concerns, Premier Veo has been urged to prioritize the issue by implementing effective measures to address the problem comprehensively and ensuring that resources are allocated.
Solomon Star understands that the GTC, WPG are already aware that the MAL has ordered dog baits from Australia but it is still unclear when the dog baits will arrive in Gizo.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
