From THE LION
The Newsletter of the American Community in Ethiopia
Volume 9, Number 10
Thursday, September 7, 2006

Homeless Animal Protection Society
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

In order to reduce the total population of stray dogs in the streets of Addis Ababa, homeless dogs have been poisoned and killed for many years. This seems like a quick and low cost solution, but in fact it has shown no results and rabies outbursts still occur. The reason for the failure of the killing system in Ethiopia, and all over the world, is the fact that after killing some dogs, the remaining dogs gain a wider territory and more food resources, allowing them to reproduce better and ensuring their survival. For example, for every 3 dogs that are killed out of 4, the fourth dog will be able to reproduce better and give birth to at least 5 more dogs. By killing the original 3 dogs we have actually increased the dog population by 50%! Also, though the killing reduced the immediate dog population, it has provided no protection against disease as the remaining dog may still carry the rabies disease. A rabies outburst remains one of the biggest and deadliest threats to the community living around stray dogs. The realization of this fact has made many countries through out

Europe and the U.S.A implement the Animal Birth Control, (ABC) program, and the results are indisputable. Homeless Animals Protection Society, (HAPS), plans to implement the ABC program in Addis Ababa Bole Sub-City through the Addis Community for Animals (ACFA) Pilot Project, which is part and parcel of the ABC Program. HAPS hopes to attain active participation from the community in the implementation of this pilot project and places a great deal of importance on the involvement and raised awareness of the community in the project area. In addition to the implementation of the ABC program, dog owners are encouraged to neuter and vaccinate their dogs through educating them about its importance and by directing them to a relatively low cost veterinary services in their near by veterinary clinics. Since at least 10% of the stray dog population results from dogs that have a home but still run free in the streets, dog owners would also be educated and encouraged to confine their dogs in their backyards to prevent them from being harmed. The ABC program combined with the informational campaign is the most viable and long term solution for the stray dog problem. In order to realize the goals of this pilot project, HAPS depends on the all round support and active participation of the community and all other stakeholders. HAPS is in great need of supplies, such as:

- cleaning materials: brooms, soap, detergent

- towels, blankets

- shelves for keeping the materials for the clinic

- used refrigerator

- recycled 6.50-14 tires

- dog food

If you interested in visiting HAPS, adopting a dog or would like to make a donation please contact the CLO at cloaddis@state.gov or call 011-517-4642, 011-517-4273. Thank you for you interest and participation.