The Gizo Town Council (GTC) is preparing to roll out the second round of its mass stray dog culling exercise across key townships in Western Province, including Gizo, Munda and Noro.
The planned operation will also extend to sensitive areas such as the Helena Goldie Hospital compound, following approval and strong pressure from the Western Provincial Government (WPG) to address the growing threat posed by stray dogs.
Speaking to Solomon Star on Monday, Gizo Town Clerk Mr Charles Kelly confirmed that the council has received endorsement from the WPG to proceed with the exercise.
“We have been given the green light by the Western Provincial Government to continue with the mass execution of stray dogs in Gizo, Munda and Noro townships,” Mr Kelly said.
He explained that GTC has been working closely with the Livestock Division under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) over the years, noting that MAL is currently the only authority responsible for importing dog bait products, which are not available locally.
“The challenge we face is whether MAL will handle the importation or whether GTC will have to purchase the products ourselves and meet all logistical costs,” Mr Kelly said.
He added that budget constraints prevented the council from purchasing the required dog baits last year.
“We fell short financially, which delayed the exercise. Discussions have already taken place with the Director of Livestock on whether MAL will take responsibility or allow us to import the products with their endorsement,” he said.
Mr Kelly indicated that the second round of the culling exercise is likely to commence after the approval of the new budget in April, despite mounting pressure from the provincial executive and the public.
In 2024, more than 100 stray dogs were found dead during the initial mass culling exercise carried out in Gizo by the Gizo Dog Task Force Committee, following the government and MAL approval and importing dog baits.
The operation was prompted by a tragic incident last year in which a mentally impaired man was mauled to death by 16 packs of stray dogs near Aussie Ridge in Tophill, close to the Premier’s residence.
Over the years, several dog attacks involving children and adults have also been reported in Gizo, Munda and Noro, leading authorities to expand the exercise to additional locations.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
