China stops killing dogs in earthquake-ravaged Sichuan province
International organization and Chinese authorities look for other ways to stem the rabies threat.
Less than a year ago, Chinese authorities came under fire for their brutal dog culling in Chinese cities to stem the threat of rabies. After coming under fire from international animal welfare organizations and locals, the authorities eventually turned to anti-rabies vaccines as a better solution. This time, in the township of Zun Dao in the earthquake-ravaged Sichuan province, Chinese officials skipped the mass killing. Representatives for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) convinced local officials to use anti-rabies vaccines rather than killings thousands of homeless dogs.
The IFAW has provided nearly $200,000 in dog food and pet care items as well as funded medical care through local veterinarians. There are an estimated 4,000 owned dogs and 1,000 strays in Zundao and surrounding villages.
