Local authorities in Hossana, Ethiopia, mandated the euthanasia of dogs after three children died from rabies, with residents facing fines or arrest for non-compliance.
Community leaders emphasized the crisis, stating that even vaccinated dogs were targeted to curb the outbreak, which had hospitalized 80 others.
Mayor Samuel Shigute later claimed the directive was not official policy, describing the mass killings as “illegal,” though local associations cited public health risks.
Eyewitnesses reported that some owners reluctantly surrendered their dogs to be killed, with methods described as cruel, including hanging and violence.
A resident recounted surrendering his vaccinated dog, stating, “I let them kill him without me seeing, far from my home.” Others expressed grief over losing pets they had cared for over years.
Local veterinary estimates suggest 400 to 450 dogs were euthanized within days, with reports of owners being forced to witness the process while crying.
A local vet condemned the actions as “immoral and unacceptable,” citing religious, cultural, and legal violations, while acknowledging the severity of the rabies outbreak.
