Gulshan Society, DAWAT launch vaccination drive for stray dogs in capital

Gulshan Society and Dhaka Animal Welfare Alliance Trust (DAWAT) jointly launched a special programme on Friday (September 4) to vaccinate all stray dogs in the capital and mark them by fitting collars around their necks.

The vaccination and collaring programme was formally inaugurated at the Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan in the morning by Barrister Omar Sadat, President of Gulshan Society and DAWAT, and Nazneen Haque Akbar, Secretary General of DAWAT.

Speaking at the event, Barrister Omar Sadat said in a civilised city, all animals and birds have an equal right to coexist alongside humans.

He said stray dogs are also part of our urban society. They live alongside humans on our streets, in parks and surrounding areas. A humane city does not respond to dogs and cats with fear or cruelty, but through responsibility, compassion and practical initiatives.

Expressing the joint intent of DAWAT and Gulshan Society to vaccinate all stray dogs across Dhaka and fit them with identification collars, Barrister Omar Sadat said vaccination would help protect both animals and humans. Once collared, residents and relevant authorities would be able to easily identify vaccinated dogs.

Nazneen Haque Akbar, Secretary General of DAWAT, said this world was not created solely for humans. All living beings have an equal right to survive. Otherwise, the planet would become unbalanced and unfit for habitation.

She called upon everyone to show compassion towards animals, birds and all living beings.

The event was also attended by Gulshan Society Secretary General Mjibrur Rahman Mridha, Joint Secretary Jaya Kabir and other local dignitaries.