Key Findings
Bhutanese attitudes towards street dogs are more tolerant than those found in many Western countries. People in Bhutan are generally willing to coexist with dogs in their communities and often feed them leftovers from their meals.
As Bhutan develops, animals are facing increasing risks. Traffic accidents are more common, fewer people are volunteering to help animals, and more people are owning pets, leading to neglect of street dogs.
The long-term sustainability of Bhutan’s CNVR program is uncertain. Challenges include a lack of resources, a lack of strategic planning, and difficulty in mobilizing community involvement.
Summary
Bhutan’s implementation of a nationwide capture-neuter-vaccinate-release (CNVR) program coincided with significant social and economic changes, including democratization and increased tourism. These developments, combined with Bhutan’s strong Buddhist traditions, influenced the government’s decision to prioritize animal welfare.
As Bhutan opened up to tourism, the government faced pressure to reduce the free-roaming dog population, especially in preparation for significant national events. The initial attempt to manage street dogs by impounding them in shelters failed due to resource constraints, leading to the adoption of the CNVR program in partnership with Humane Society International (HSI) in 2009. Two dog censuses conducted in 2015 and 2018 showed significant progress in sterilization rates, though challenges remain.
Bhutan’s approach to animal welfare is rooted in its cultural and religious values. The country’s Buddhist traditions emphasize compassion and the importance of treating all beings, including animals, with kindness. This belief aligns with the common practice of feeding street dogs in Bhutan.
While Bhutan’s CNVR program has faced ethical debates, it reflects a commitment to supporting animals’ well-being and creating conditions for animals to flourish. Bhutan’s unique integration of ethical considerations into its development policies serves as a model for other countries seeking to balance economic growth with environmental and animal welfare concerns.
This study, titled “The Influences of Buddhism and Development on the Well-Being of Bhutan’s Street Dogs”, aims to investigate why Bhutan became the first country globally to implement a nationwide capture-neuter-vaccinate-release (CNVR) program for street dogs. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of this program in managing the country’s free-roaming dog population.
Study Methods
To explore the well-being of street dogs in Bhutan, the study conducted in-depth interviews with representatives from three animal sanctuaries located in Thimphu and Paro. These sanctuaries were founded by individuals with diverse motivations, including personal emotional attachment and spiritual beliefs.
Interviews focused on sanctuary operations, street dog health, and local attitudes towards dogs. The researcher also conducted field observations of street dogs in Thimphu and Paro, documenting their physical condition and interactions.
All three sanctuaries agreed to participate in the study, and interviews were arranged prior to the researcher’s arrival in Bhutan. Field observations were conducted throughout the day and evening, including at popular tourist sites. Detailed notes and photographs were collected to capture the dogs’ living conditions and behaviors.
Study Results
Bhutanese Treatment of Street Dogs
In Bhutan, street dogs are a ubiquitous presence, integrated into the daily lives of many residents. They are often seen as part of the local landscape, and many people, including monks and restaurant workers, regularly feed them, ensuring their survival. While the majority of street dogs appear healthy, diseases such as scabies, mange, and distemper are common, reflecting the challenges they face in their urban environment.
Bhutanese attitudes towards street dogs differ markedly from those found in many Western countries. Unlike the practice of euthanizing stray dogs in many Western nations, Bhutanese society generally tolerates their presence. However, the level of care provided to street dogs varies widely. Adoption of street dogs is uncommon, and those who keep them as pets do so under a range of conditions, from well-cared-for companions to confined guard dogs to neglected animals.
While cruelty towards street dogs is not widespread, isolated incidents do occur. Some individuals may throw stones or attempt to harm the dogs out of fear or aggression. As Bhutan continues to urbanize, the risks faced by street dogs have increased. Road accidents and violent crime involving dogs have become more frequent, particularly in the capital city of Thimphu.
Despite Bhutan’s emphasis on non-violence and Gross National Happiness, animal welfare is not explicitly addressed in the country’s government policies. This highlights a tension between the Buddhist teachings of non-harm and the realities of life in a rapidly changing society.
Concerns about Development
The introduction of democracy and increased tourism in Bhutan has brought about significant development, raising concerns among some Bhutanese about its potential negative impacts, particularly on animals. Representatives from animal sanctuaries expressed concerns that the country’s shift towards Western materialism may erode traditional Buddhist values, leading to decreased care for animals, especially street dogs.
As development progresses, animals are increasingly vulnerable to accidents and neglect. Fewer people are willing to volunteer or assist them, and the growing trend of keeping pets, often purchased from puppy mills, further marginalizes street dogs. Some participants criticized the adoption of Western development paradigms, which prioritize human needs over those of animals. This shift has led to a more instrumental view of animals, where only those serving a specific human purpose receive attention.
Despite these concerns, there is optimism that democracy could improve animal welfare in Bhutan. Increased accountability and public discourse may lead to better services for animals and encourage community involvement in their care. One sanctuary aims to establish a center to promote community-based care and reconnect people with animals, which could enhance the well-being of street dogs and other animals in Bhutan.
Efficacy of the CNVR Program
The CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release) program in Bhutan received initial support due to the pressing need to address the street dog population. However, its success in controlling the population is unclear because recent dog population data only account for the number of dogs sterilized, making it difficult to assess changes in the overall population. Participants were divided on whether street dog numbers in Thimphu and Paro have increased or remained stable, but none believed there was a long-term decrease.
The program faces three major challenges:
- Resource Shortages: Bhutan lacks the resources to maintain a successful CNVR program, with limited veterinary teams and equipment. The program, now run entirely by the Bhutanese government, is hampered by a shortage of vehicles and staff. This led to infrequent sterilization campaigns that are conducted only once or twice a year at each location. Sanctuaries try to fill the gaps by providing veterinary care, but they too are under-resourced. A self-trained veterinarian at one sanctuary, although well-respected and awarded, highlights the lack of professional veterinary services in the country.
- Lack of Strategic Planning: The government has not developed a clear plan for acquiring the necessary resources to sustain the CNVR program. A decision needs to be made regarding whether to build capacity within the government or collaborate with NGOs.
- Challenges of Community Organizing and Democracy: Bhutan’s recent transition to democracy and historical isolation have made grassroots community organizing and public engagement difficult. Bhutanese are not accustomed to mobilizing at the community level or following advice from Western-affiliated rescue organizations. Developing a culture of community action will require time and effort.
These challenges highlight the need for a more comprehensive and strategic approach to managing Bhutan’s street dog population. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the long-term success of the CNVR program.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Street Dogs / Bhutan
Year of Publication:
2020
External Link:
Willetts, Marion C. and Beck, Frank D., The Influences of Buddhism and Development on the Well-Being of Bhutan’s Street Dogs, Animal Studies Journal, 9(2), 2020, 56-86. Available at:
https://ro.uow.edu.au/asj/vol9/iss2/4