Background
Bhutan, a predominantly rural nation, has long had free-roaming dogs. In urban areas, many of these are community dogs, cared for by local residents even if they live on the streets. In rural regions, farmers keep dogs as guards to deter strangers and wild animals.
However, a rise in the stray dog population is partly attributed to the black market for meat. With no regulations and inadequate waste management, unsold meat is often disposed of discreetly, becoming a food source for the dogs. This has contributed to a significant increase in their numbers over time.
As Bhutan’s tourism industry grew, concerns arose about how street dogs might impact the country’s image. Some visitors from more developed countries might feel threatened or disturbed by the dogs’ presence and vocalizations. Additionally, residents expressed concerns about their own safety and the risk of rabies.
Lacking expertise in CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release) and sufficient veterinary professionals, Bhutan partnered with Humane Society International (HSI) to implement a nationwide CNVR program.
Timeline
1980s – A rigorous culling program was implemented but failed to achieve the desired results.
2006 – The Department of Livestock in Bhutan estimated there were around 50,000 street dogs, with 32,000 having ‘owners.’ However, experts believe this number was underestimated, as Thimphu alone had 5,500 free-roaming dogs. A plan to build shelters in all twenty districts and impound the dogs was put in place, but the dogs in these shelters perished due to a lack of resources and expertise in shelter management.
2009 – Bhutanese officials partnered with Humane Society International (HSI) to implement a nationwide CNVR program aimed at sterilizing street dogs. The program began with a two-month pilot in Thimphu, targeting 1,200 dogs. Following the pilot, a nationwide CNVR program was launched, set to last 3-5 years. The initial goal was for HSI to achieve a 70% sterilization rate before transferring program control to the Bhutanese government. An average of 30 to 40 dogs were being caught and sterilized each day. Within the first months, 2,800 dogs were sterilized.
2012 – The CNVR program was extended for another three years, with a goal to sterilize and vaccinate 50,000 dogs over six years. HSI vets reportedly reached more than 50 percent of the street dog population in Bhutan.
2015 – The CNVR program was extended again for another three years and transitioned to Bhutanese control. The first dog census revealed relatively high sterilization rates in urban areas (67% in Thimphu and 73.8% in Paro), but lower rates in the surrounding rural areas (45.5% and 57.6%, respectively).
2018 – Approximately 85,000 dogs, including both street and owned dogs, had been sterilized and vaccinated against rabies. This translates into sterilization coverage of approximately 60-80% of all dogs in Bhutan.
2023 – The Bhutanese Government and HSI announced they had achieved 100% sterilization of street dogs. Since the project’s inception, over 150,000 street dogs have been sterilized and vaccinated, and 32,000 pet dogs have been microchipped.
Key Challenges and Resolutions:
Implementing the CNVR program was not straightforward. A study titled “The Influences of Buddhism and Development on the Well-Being of Bhutan’s Street Dogs” highlighted concerns among animal sanctuary operators about the program’s long-term sustainability.
Expertise: At the outset of the program in 2009, Bhutan had no veterinarians. The initial team composition was 90% Indian and 10% Bhutanese. To build local capacity, more than 30 Bhutanese individuals received veterinary training in India, preparing Bhutan to independently manage the CNVR program eventually. Within three years, the HSI staff made up only 30% of the team, and by 2015, the entire program was transitioned to Bhutanese control.
Outreach: Reaching the rural interior of Bhutan, where veterinary care is largely unavailable, was challenging. However, with government support, the HSI team managed to penetrate deep into these areas and engage with local communities. They operated flexibly in various locations, including markets, monasteries, and schools. Dog catchers were also employed to capture dogs as needed, and the program utilized community volunteers to ensure that it was successful.
Funding: The initial program cost was estimated to be $1,000,000, with half of the funding coming from the Bhutanese government.
Continuity: To prevent the dog population from becoming problematic again, HSI is encouraging Bhutanese residents to bring dogs to clinics for sterilization, reducing reliance on dog catchers. The project incentivizes participation by offering free T-shirts and dog accessories to those who bring their local dogs to vet clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays for free surgeries.
Continuity: To prevent the dog population from becoming problematic again, HSI is encouraging Bhutanese residents to bring dogs to clinics for sterilization, reducing reliance on dog catchers. The project incentivizes participation by offering free T-shirts and dog accessories to those who bring their local dogs to vet clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays for free surgeries.
Related: The Intersection of Faith and Modernity in Bhutan’s Street Dog Welfare Program
Key Lessons
- There was a strong motivation for implementing CNVR: the presence of Western tourists. Due to the country’s Buddhist values and past experiences, culling and sheltering were not viable options, leaving CNVR as the only feasible solution.
- With this motivation, the Bhutanese government was determined to make the project successful. This commitment facilitated the buy-in needed to overcome challenges that HSI might have faced alone. HSI took on the challenge and provided resources from the outset, supplying all veterinarians and 90% of the staff.
- A transition plan was established from the beginning, allowing HSI to gradually withdraw from the program. Adequate resources were dedicated to training personnel and recruiting volunteers to ensure the project’s success.