But Shafiqul Islam, the chief veterinary officer of the city corporation, said they have not arrived at a decision on the issue. A 2016 survey put the number at 37,000, but city corporation officials said the number has reached 150,000. After the city corporation’s plan was revealed, animal welfare groups, rights activists and animal lovers took to social media to register their protest. Rakibul Haq Emil, the president of People for Animal Welfare Foundation, said the Animal Welfare Act 2019 prohibits annihilation or relocation of stray animals. What they need is veterinary services,” Emil said, promising support for sterilisation of the dogs if the city corporation relaunches the programme.

Source: bd News24 September 01, 2020 22:30 UTC