Animal welfare and Vaccination Awareness Program

Stray dogs are found throughout major cities, small towns and villages in Nepal. Their numbers are always increasing due to lack  of sterilization programs. Stray dogs roam the streets in search of food. This brings them close to humans.  Sometimes they are infected with deadly diseases like Rabies that can be easily transmitted to humans from dog bites. Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun describes “Rabies as a neglected viral disease, is one of Nepal’s silent public health problems.” 

In order to raise awareness to prevent such tragedies  without harming stray dogs, a program was organized in collaboration with TFC Nepal. The session was led by Tularam Rajbanshi, a dedicated veterinary technician who has been actively involved in animal welfare and rescue operations. He was supported by Kushal Giri, Siddha Bahadur Raut, and Ritu Giri. A total of 82 students participated in the program.

Objectives 

The main goals of the program were:

• To educate students on the importance of vaccinating animals and promoting animal welfare.
• To instill a sense of empathy among students, emphasizing that animals, unlike humans, cannot express their pain and should never be mistreated.
• To raise awareness about animal rights and the responsibility humans have towards them who cannot speak for themselves.

Tularam Rajbansi spoke to the students about the importance of vaccinating  animals for their welfare  and saving humans from deadly disease from dog bites. During this session, he shared his expertise and experiences with the students. He shared some stories of abandoned animals they rescued. He emphasized to the students that abandoning animals is punishable by law. Animals have the right to live and be treated with kindness. He told the audience that  he and his team hope to rehabilitate the animals so that they may get a chance to be adopted.

Awareness on Vaccinating Animals to control Rabies

The speaker presented some cases of  rabies transmitted to people by their pet dogs.. Unfortunately , the couple could not find the rabies vaccine on time and contracted the disease leading to their death. This case highlighted the importance of immediate medical attention after a dog bite. Unfortunately, in many remote areas, such life saving vaccines are not available on time. In the lack of awareness about the severity of the disease, people do not seek medical attention thinking that it is a small bite.

Students watched  a video on how washing the wound with soap and water for 10-15 minutes immediately after the bite can significantly reduce the risk of rabies. They also learned the symptoms of rabies as fear of water and aggressive behavior. Students were informed that if a dog bites, they should observe the dog for 10 days. If the dog dies within that period, it is likely that it had rabies.

The speaker urged the students not to harm dogs if they see signs of rabies. They should contact TFC by social media or by calling the provided phone number. He encouraged the students  to become advocates for animals and raise awareness in their communities.

Questions raised by the audience:

Jen K.C., (Teacher at Pharping School) asked, “I have been raising dogs, but they have become aggressive. What could be the reason?”

Tularam explained that dogs are like humans, if they are over pampered, they can develop aggressive behavior. Spayed or neutered dogs are calmer and are good for their wellbeing. 

Manik Tamang, (Grade 9 student), asked, “If we use the rabies vaccine after symptoms appear, can it cure the disease?”

Tularam responded that the rabies vaccine must be administered immediately after a dog bite, with seven doses required. Once symptoms appear, the vaccine is no longer effective and can lead to further complications. Vaccination is the only preventive measure against rabies.

Ribha Maharjan,’’  I got the message from the program  that we have to protect the animals. We learn the symptoms and measures to prevent rabies, animal vaccination is most important.’’ 

Sara Maharjan,’’ We need to care for animals and feed them. We need to spay dogs to control their population rather than kill them. I had not heard about animal rights until today.  I learned a lot from this program.’’

Impacts of the program

• Students learn that if anyone mistreats  animals, they will be imprisoned for 3 months and fined  rs 5000. 
• Promote the feelings of kindness and love towards animals and understand that they are also living creatures.  
• Students can spread awareness that animals like  dogs and cats should be vaccinated every year to protect them from rabies.