In brief
A rabies crisis in Hossana turned grim when community leaders ordered the nationwide cull of dogs, even those reportedly vaccinated, after three children died from bites. Residents were told they could face fines or imprisonment if they did not comply, while police claimed the killings were illegal. The mayor condemned the directive, but the local government’s support of the orders sparked confusion. Reports of dogs being strangled or buried in public areas came to light before police halted further killings. Animal rights groups condemned the violence, and it remains unclear how authorities will prevent future abuses.
Three children in the Ethiopian town of Hossana died after being bitten by dogs that were believed to carry rabies. In response, powerful local community groups issued a mandate that residents kill their dogs—regardless of vaccination status—to prevent further fatalities. Police were warned that non‑compliance could lead to fines or arrest.
The orders were brought forward after 80 people required hospitalization on bites, according to Mayor Samuel Shigute. Witnesses have recounted distressing scenes of pets being hung from trees or confined in ropes.
Mayor Shigute described the killings as illegal and denied that his administration had authorized them, even though the community groups behind the directive were tied to local government lines. The mayor’s police force reportedly stopped the cull within a day, though animal‑rights advocate Feven Melese warned that “door‑to‑door” outreach for dog disposal could continue.
Veterinary officials estimate that 400 to 450 dogs were killed within hours of the directive. When an estimate of guard dogs in the town stands at 70 per 10,000 residents, many of whom were vaccinated, the mass culling has raised moral and legal questions. The Ethiopian law is clear that animals cannot be harmed in public spaces or in cruel, abnormal ways; yet these killings have drawn heavy criticism.
The story underscores a delicate balance between protecting public health and ensuring animal welfare—an issue that will demand clear policy and robust enforcement if such incidents are to be avoided in the future.
