Thank you very much, hon. Member. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, nice to see you in the Chair. Welcome back! I am informed by the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare that in response to concerns regarding stray dogs at Sodnac Wellness Park and Farquhar Recreational Park, no less than 10 interventions were carried out around the area of Sodnac Wellness Park and Quatre Bornes. Furthermore, the Director of MSAW had a meeting with the Mayor of the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes, the councillors and local dog feeders to address the situation of stray dogs in the area. That meeting was held on 11 December 2025. A key outcome of the meeting was the identification of unused State land that could be converted into dog sanctuaries to facilitate the relocation of stray dogs. Land has already been identified at Riche Lieu for construction of a dog shelter, and the Engineering Unit of my Ministry is working on the design and technical drawing of the shelter. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to tackle the issue of stray dogs at Sodnac Wellness Park as well as Farquhar Recreational Park and to ensure that the parks remain protected, the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare will be sterilising the dogs thereat, and where appropriate, these dogs will be released under the Catch Neuter Release Programme. Also, well-meaning but misguided people feeding the dogs near the parks will be asked to relocate the feedings spot to avoid gathering of dogs. Dogs exhibiting aggressive or dangerous behaviour have been managed separately and will be managed if ever they are called upon to address this issue to save separately, to safeguard the safety of park visitors and staff. The Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare alone cannot ensure the safety of persons visiting the park, other concerned stakeholders should also provide assistance as follows – • The security personnel have been requested to remain vigilant at all times to prevent entry of dogs and neighbouring residents have been informed and sensitised to ensure that their pet dogs are properly controlled and not allowed to roam freely; • The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change has agreed to the inspection of fencing – it’s well-fenced, I must say it but around the park except there are a few holes here and there that have to be repaired – to restrain dogs from entering and using these apertures; • Community cooperation is vital to reducing the stray dog population, not only in and around the park but also around the island.

Je vous remercie, M. le président. Je remercie le ministre pour sa réponse. Le ministre peut-il indiquer à la Chambre du calendrier prévu pour la relocalisation des chiens errant vers les nouveaux refuges compte tenu du danger que représente ces chiens qui poursuivent les marcheurs dans les deux parcs ? Merci.

It’s difficult to give a specific reply but my hon. friend can understand that much is being done to address the problem despite the limited resources which MSAW has. But we need to appeal to one and all. I am also appealing to those who have dogs that whenever they take their dogs out to make sure that it’s on leash. Most of the stray dogs are due to the fact that, you know, as citizens, we don’t also live up to our expectation but we have identified sites. You know, one of those sites identified is Richelieu where those dogs can be transferred and relocated.

Une dernière question, s’il vous plait ?

Okay, last one!

Une petite, merci. Je vous remercie, M. le président. After the relocation of the dogs, will the hon. Minister state what services will be provided in the new shelters to ensure the welfare of the animals? Thank you.

You can rest assured that welfare of animals is of great concern to one and all. You just have to refer to the provisions of the legislations and whoever fails to live up to expectation can be subject to a maximum fine.

The hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière! ASSOCIATION MAURICIENNE DE BADMINTON – MANAGING COMMITTEE – DISSOLUTION & COMPOSITION