Intl’ Dog Day: Human-dog coexistencepromoted through a walkathon by public and NGOs

Utkarshexpress.com DEHRADUN, Uttarakhand— Ahead of International Dog Day, animal protection organization, Humane Society International/India organized a walk-a-thon to promotepeaceful co-existence between humans and street dogs aiming to create a safer society for all. The walk-a-thon saw the participation ofover 50 members from local animal welfare NGOs, along with volunteers, and community members, at Gandhi Park in Dehradun at 9 am. The three-hour walk-a-thoncovered a stretch of six kilometers,following a route through Ghandhi Park-Kanak Chowk-Parade Ground RojgaarTiraha-Tibetan Market-Lansdowne Chowk. 
Participants waved placards and held standees thateducated the public about topics like animal laws, importance of Animal Birth Control (ABC) and anti-rabies vaccination programs.

Over 50 participants fromlocal animal welfare NGOs, volunteers, and community members unite for the cause
Dr. Piyush Patel, veterinarian and director of Companion Animals & Engagement at Humane Society International/India said: “Today’s walk-a-thon is a powerful demonstration of community supporttowards this initiative andplays a crucial role in raising public awareness. Collective action and educationspearheaded by the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, volunteers and community membershave helped drivemeaningful change to create a safer society for both - humans and street dogs.Increased public participation is a key to solving theissueof human–dog conflict and we are glad to be hosting this initiative”
Since 2016, HSI/India and Dehradun Municipal Corporation have worked together to spay, neuter and administer rabies vaccinations to an estimated 46,000 street dogs, thereby achieving 84% sterilization rate in the city.
- Media contact   Shaili Shah:9930591005 sshah@hsi.org