The Lautoka City Council in Fiji says stray dogs at the city's dump are not its responsibility but it's working to alleviate the problem.
Children at a primary school in Fiji learn about animal welfare, particularly stray dogs. Here the children are allowed to examine a dog as part of their lesson. Photo: Supplied
Residents have raised concern at the state of the Vunato landfill and the increasing number of stray dogs at the site.
The council's CEO Jone Nakauvadra said they are carrying out rehabilitation works at Vunato and plans to relocate the rubbish dump are in the pipeline.
"We are working with the Ministry of Agriculture because they are responsible for enforcing the by-laws for the stray dogs and stray animals. We are doing more than what the Agriculture is supposed to be doing. We are trapping dogs, we are taking dogs to the pounding stations. What they are supposed to be doing is being done by the council."
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Mr Nakauvadra said stray dogs are a major concern in most parts of Fiji and the council is working with other departments to educate the public on animal welfare.
"However, most municipalities have taken the lead role by trapping the stray dogs and even the construction of pounding centres," he said.
Mr Nakauvadra said the councils are working with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which is conducting de-sexing programmes for the dogs.
Agriculture Minister Mahendra Reddy could not be reached and an official at his office refused to comment on the matter.