Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils Faiszer Musthapha today assured that the government will not resort to killing the country’s stray dogs in an attempt to resolve the issue and that an extensive dialogue is being carried out with relevant parties. 

The minister said that during a recent Cabinet meeting he was instructed to submit a report within three weeks regarding the country’s stray dogs issue.

“I can say with utmost responsibility that there is absolutely no programme to kill dogs,” he said, while addressing the gathering at a workshop held today to education media personnel regarding the subject of local government.

However, he added, that certain problems have surfaced especially at schools, weekly markets and hospitals due to an increase in stray dogs. Therefore, the minister said he is currently conducting an extensive dialogue on the matter with local government institutions, health ministry, rural affairs ministry as well as animal rights groups. 

Musthapha said that while this dialogue is continuing certain individuals have accused him of attempting to murder dogs.

“I too am a person who loves animals. However, we have to take certain actions in order to resolve certain problems but killing animals is not our alternative.”

He stated that they are receiving various ideas even through the internet and that those opinions will also be taken into consideration.  

“I have still not found a solution to this problem.” He stated that he is attempting to integrate with society both the solution and the problem.