HART was set up on the outskirts of Pokhara, Nepal in March 2009. Over a period of some three months we refurbished the buildings of a former chicken farm and converted them into our Centre.
Rabies is widespread around Pokhara and the local authorities had been regularly undertaking strychnine poisoning campaigns to tackle the rabies problem by reducing the street-dog population. We are negotiating with all the local authorities to ensure that they cease this cruel practice.
Since HART began operating, we have held a number of mass anti-rabies vaccination camps in different pockets of the valley. Currently, we are engaged vaccinating the community and stray canine population within the Pokhara Municipality areas and some adjoining village areas. We have exceeded the recommended 70% treatment level in those out-lying areas.
Having surveyed the Pokhara area we are engaged in a methodical programme of picking up street-dogs - mostly females - which are checked over and any existing health issues addressed. They are routinely vaccinated against rabies, de-wormed and given skin, flea, and tick treatments. Once fit enough they are neutered and then returned to the community once fully recovered. This is typically after only a few days. By this means we will humanely reduce the number of street-dogs in the medium term to a level which is acceptable and manageable by the community - fewer dogs, fewer problems.
Whilst our focus is primarily on dogs, our vets have also treated a range of local animals including cats, goats, horses and buffaloes, for both chronic and emergency conditions.
Education is an important aspect of HART’s work and we give talks to the community and widely distribute leaflets containing information on rabies and how to protect themselves from this deadly but easily preventable disease and sensible precautions against dog bites. There are various other animal welfare issues which HART will address as we move ahead. |
