Thank you. Madam Speaker, the issue of stray dogs is one of our priorities and we are adopting a humane and multi-stakeholder approach to ensure long-term sustainable solutions. I co-chaired a meeting with the Junior Minister, the hon. David, on 17 March 2025, along with key stakeholders, including NGOs, the vet professionals and the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare to take stock of all the issues. Madam Speaker, following proposals spearheaded by animal welfare advocates, a series of actions are being undertaken – a) the board of MSAW has been reconstituted with Ms Ghoorah as part-time Chairperson; b) the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare will be restructured to be an internationally compliant body to access global support; c) collaboration with foreign veterinary professionals has been sought, particularly from India, to review the mass sterilisation programme, humane dog-catching methods and the Catch-Neuter-Release approach currently implemented by MSAW;

40 d) the Commissioner of Police has been requested to inform as to whether stun-gun or anaesthetic darts could be used for catching of dogs; e) the Veterinary Council has been requested to expedite registration of Veterinary Professionals; f) the Animal Welfare Act of 2013 is being reviewed to empower MSAW to act against animal abuse, regulate dog breeding and importation, and introduce stronger penalties for defaulters; g) The Animal Welfare Act 2013 is being reviewed to empower MSAW to act against animal abuse, regulate dog breeding and importation, and introduce stronger penalties for defaulters; h) A first meeting to review the legislation was chaired by the Senior Chief Executive on 26 March 2025 with representatives of NGOs. All proposals received thereon will be examined by different subcommittees to expedite its coming into operation, and i) The Ministry of Education and Human Resource has been requested to consider integrating the concept of animal welfare into the education system to sensitise students from an early age. Meanwhile, MSAW is continuously implementing its sustainable project for dog population control through mass sterilisation, dog registration and Catch, Neuter and Release Programme. The catch-neuter release method being used since 2022 no longer serves its purpose as stray dogs are being returned on the streets. This is why Government has taken the bold initiative to construct dog shelters region wise and an animal hospital. Madam speaker, it is worth to note that the last survey on stray dogs was conducted as far back as December 2013 by the Humane Society International and it was reported that Mauritius had a total unowned dog population of approximately 246,000 and roaming street dog population of 57,000. The report also indicated that a large majority of stray dogs’ population in Mauritius is owned, and the number of stray dogs was relatively low. The Government is taking decisive action to implement a humane, sustainable and collaborative approach to managing the stray dog population after years of inaction. The welfare of animals and the safety of our citizens remain at the heart of the Government’s initiative.

41

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, hon. Caserne!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the hon. Minister for his reply. It is a concern. Recently, many incidents have been reported with regard to the issue of stray dogs, causing accidents. Mainly, the two-wheelers have being impacted. I thank the hon. Minister. Another phenomenon which has been brought to our attention is the rearing of cattle also disturbing the peaceful environment within the region of Sainte Croix, Morcellement Goolamally and Morcellement Raffray. May I ask the hon. Minister if he can look into this issue also.

I thank the hon. Member. We will seriously look into the matter. Let me come to the issue of stray dogs. What we are trying to do is to increase the stabilisation rate to bring down the reproductive capacity. It is not an easy task, but we are praying and hoping that we will be there in due time.

Yes, Mr Edouard!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The problem of stray dogs and other animals like cattle is also a big problem in Rodrigues. Will the hon. Minister inform the House if the actions proposed will be extended to Rodrigues also.

Yes!

I am sorry, does that not concern the Rodrigues government?

The Rodrigues Regional Assembly.

Yes!

But the message will be conveyed loud and clear to our friends in the Rodrigues Regional Assembly.

Yes! I am a little bit surprised! Everything does not concern the Mauritian government since you have your autonomy now. Yes, hon. Mr A. Duval!

Yes, thank you. Madam Speaker, there seems to be a degradation of stray dogs in Mauritius, unfortunately. Since it is recognised that the stray dogs, in fact, have

42 owners, may we know from the hon. Minister, since November to date, how many contraventions have been served to owners of stray dogs in combatting that fléau ?

Well, I need notice of this question. But I can find out and relay the information to you.

Yes, next time!

(Interruptions)

We have 15 more minutes to go. Let us carry on, please! Hon. Second Member for Flacq and Bon Accueil! POSTE DE FLACQ REGION– FLOOD MITIGATION PLAN