Stray Dog Management in Kanglung, Bhutan: Challenges and Community Perspectives

The present study focused on and discussed the causes, problems, and possible solutions to the stray dog problem in Kanglung town, Trashigang district, eastern Bhutan. The study used qualitative methods and conducted interviews, field observations, and secondary data from the local health and municipal office, as well as literature review. Uncontrolled breeding of dogs, food access from waste materials, abandonment of pet dogs by students and temporary stayers, and low veterinary care capacity were reported as the major causes of stray dog population in Kanglung town. The community, mainly the residents, in Kanglung had mixed perceptions of the free-roaming dogs in terms of safety, health, noise, and waste concerns. The livestock office in Kanglung was also found to be overstretched and needed government support, funding, and collaborative NGOs and community support for more veterinary care services to be provided in Kanglung. The paper concluded by providing some practical interventions and recommendations that can be applied and adopted by the government, NGOs, residents, and other stakeholders in Kanglung town to help manage the stray dog problem in the community.