Maun council squeals as rabies squad targets stray hogs
Some councilors in Maun have voiced out strong opposition to the Department of Veterinary Services’ (DVS) decision to cull street pigs in an effort to stop the spread of rabies in the Maun area.
The Department announced to a full council meeting in Maun that roaming pigs will be included in the culling exercise which was initially meant for stray and any dogs found in the streets.
The exercise was expected to begin last week.
While the DVS maintains that stray pigs pose a health risk, noting they can contract rabies from dog bites and potentially pass the virus to humans if handled or consumed, Councillor Moeteetsi Mogalakwe of Makalamabedi ward was among those who remained unconvinced.
“We know dogs can spread rabies, but why single out pigs?” Mogalakwe questioned and added. “They are not the only stray animals in town. Why kill them when there are goats and cattle roaming the same streets?”
He argued that instead of culling, pigs should be impounded in council kraals, similar to other stray livestock.
Mogalakwe further argued that what needs to be understood is that many homesteads are not fenced or do not have secure gates to keep the dogs inside. “These dogs only go to the mall to scavenge and they return home later in the day.”
However, Council Chairperson Itumeleng Kelebetseng revealed that while kraals exist, they have become white elephants.
The council currently lacks the budget to feed and maintain impounded animals, leaving officials with few options.
According to Councillors, estimates suggest that the reduction of pets will be from 15,000 to 7000 and that the DVS will be aided by the police in the culling exercise.
Kelebetseng defended the move, describing the stray population as a “nuisance” and a public health crisis.
“Dogs are supposed to stay inside the yard,” Kelebetseng stated. “We have reported cases of human rabies; people have died. We cannot play politics with this. Residents must be told to contain their animals, not just dogs, but all livestock.”
Meanwhile the Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS) has acknowledged the culling as a short-term intervention but urged the government to look toward long-term strategies.
MAWS advocates for mass vaccination, community sterilization programs, and stricter penalties for irresponsible pet ownership.
Despite these pleas, the DVS is moving forward. Officials explained that the culling will be carried out using a “precise and potent” injection that euthanizes the animal within one minute of administration.
Councillor Razerua Kasenambo of Disana ward echoed the call for order, reminding residents that allowing any animal, even chickens to roam the streets is a violation of District Council bylaws. “Everything must be kept within the confines of the home,” Kasenambo stressed.
