Nairobi Sets Aside Ksh 100M to “Kill” Stray Dogs

The County Government of Nairobi is set to use a whopping 100 million shillings of taxpayer’s money to fight stray dogs in the city in what might raise concerns over the use of public funds.

According to the county director of veterinary services, Dr. Muhari, Nairobi has 50,000 stray dogs which are “posing a serious health risk to people living within the city.”

“We are going to eliminate these dogs in the next year and we are working with a budget of Sh100 million. We are going to kill them by shooting but this will involve a proper way as designated.” He said.

A Survey on Stray Dogs

A survey by World Animal Protection showed that 85 percent of Kenyans who own dogs do not know how to provide basic needs for their dogs and often leave them to roam freely.

The report also indicated that 85 percent of the owners of dogs in Kenya are not aware of how to feed their dogs or provide them with veterinary needs.

53 percent of Kenyan dog owners leave them to roam freely at night because to them, it is in nature of a dog to roam and not be kept under watch all the time.

“According to the report, 73 percent of people surveyed said they will vaccinate their dogs and provide health care if the services are available.”

Majority of Kenyans who own dogs are not aware that the dogs should receive veterinary services. The services are also not available in most parts of the country, especially in rural areas.

The survey also showed that women were more likely to care for the dogs, providing them with water and food and help them seek treatment and sterilize them than men.

Do you own a dog? Are you taking good care of it? Is it roaming freely in Nairobi? Well, 100 million shillings have been set aside to have them shot.