BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO Town Council has been given the greenlight to carry out a second mission to eradicate stray dogs in Western Province.

Clerk of Gizo Town Council, Charles Kelly, confirmed this in an interview with Island Sun yesterday, saying the Western Provincial Government has endorsed another operation to address the growing stray dog problem.

He said the planned mission will cover Gizo, Noro, Helena Goldie Hospital and Munda, where stray dogs continue to pose threats to public safety.

Kelly said the operation is currently on hold while discussions are underway with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) regarding the importation of dog bait.

“Only the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock can import such drugs, so we are working closely with the ministry,” he said.

Kelly said once the drugs are imported by MAL, Gizo Town Council will meet all associated costs to ensure the bait is transported safely to Gizo for the operation.

“This operation is aimed at eradicating stray dogs that are causing fear, safety concerns and nuisance to the public,” he said.

Island Sun understands that the first stray dog eradication operation was carried out in Gizo in 2024, during which about 100 stray dogs were killed and later buried by the Gizo Dog Task Force Committee.

The committee was formed last year following the tragic death of an individual who was attacked by a pack of stray dogs and later died.

The council hopes the second operation will further reduce risks posed by stray dogs and restore a safer environment for residents and visitors in the affected areas.

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