Dog removal move sparks outcry in Baridhara

Fresh attempts to remove community dogs from Baridhara DOHS have drawn criticism from residents and animal welfare advocates, who warn the move risks repeating a history of cruelty in the area.

Members of Animal Welfare of Baridhara DOHS (AWBD), a resident-led group, described recent notices issued by the DOHS Parishad calling for the removal of stray dogs and restrictions on pet movement as unlawful and counterproductive.

“The Animal Welfare Act, 2019 clearly states that ownerless animals cannot be removed or killed outside specific provisions. The law promotes vaccination and sterilisation, not displacement,” an AWBD representative said.

A resident said attempts to engage with authorities have failed.

“I have pet dogs, and I have received notices multiple times from the current DOHS Parishad president. I tried to have a dialogue, but he refused to listen,” he said.

Recalling a previous incident, he added, “In 2017, when he was in charge, my pet dog was taken away. I had to go through a lot to get it back.”

In 2019, the killing of a community dog known as “LeBraun” sparked outrage among residents and led to the formation of AWBD, which has since monitored and protected street animals in the area.

Tensions flared again in 2022, when a pregnant dog was allegedly beaten to death, prompting a legal notice from animal welfare organisation Obhoyaronno.

The DOHS authority subsequently issued a written assurance to comply with the Animal Welfare Act and refrain from harming animals. Residents now fear the situation is deteriorating once more.

AWBD members said they have implemented a large-scale sterilisation and vaccination programme in the area using their own funds, with most community dogs now sterilised and vaccinated.

The initiative has also received support from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), which has supplied vaccines as part of its rabies control efforts.

However, volunteers alleged that their activities are being obstructed.

“We have faced restrictions during vaccination drives, and even our vehicles have been stopped from entering the area,” a volunteer said. “This undermines a public health initiative.”

Experts note that the Animal Birth Control method, based on sterilisation and vaccination, is the most effective long-term approach to managing street dog populations. Removing sterilised dogs often leads to the entry of unvaccinated animals, increasing both population and disease risks.

The issue has divided residents, with some citing concerns over dog bites, noise, and hygiene, while others say the animals have coexisted peacefully for years.

“There has not been a single verified case of aggression here,” an AWBD member said.

Col (retd) M Abdul Hai, president of the Baridhara DOHS Parishad, denied issuing any personal directive to remove animals, saying the decision was made collectively.

“I have not personally given any instruction to remove dogs or cats. There is a general body, and decisions are made in annual meetings. These measures reflect residents’ concerns,” he told The Daily Star.

He acknowledged that dogs are being removed from the area but said the approach differs from the past.

“Earlier, dogs were killed. Now they are not being killed; rather, they are being taken outside the area.” Citing complaints, he added, “Dogs make noise at night, people cannot sleep. They make the streets dirty. Many residents are facing problems.”

Dismissing calls by activists to escalate the matter, he said, “Some want to go to the prime minister over this. I do think the prime minister has more important matters to deal with.”

He also said the DOHS authority operates within cantonment regulations and does not act under RAJUK or other civilian authorities.