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Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre |
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Progress at last Since KAT began its program in selected areas, we have noticed significant local support from the community. We came to learn that many local people are deeply concerned about both the suffering of the stray dogs and the health risks associated with them. In the past there was no alternative to poisoning until KAT started its program. Furthermore, we succeeded in convincing the Municipality about the relevance of our work, and as a result they have ceased the poisoning campaigns where KAT operates. The Kathmandu municipality has continued to support us, after an initial donation and by delegating a staff member. We are also getting an increasing amount of calls to rescue dogs that have been involved in accidents or have been mistreated. We try to answer all these appeals. |
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is KAT Centre? The Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre is a registered charitable animal welfare organization established in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Centre’s mission is to create within the Kathmandu Valley a rabies-free, non-breeding street/community dog population through an Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, which operates along the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the management of stray dog populations. The goal is to create within the Kathmandu valley a healthy, non-breeding, rabies-free street dog population and eliminate rabies. Why do people need KAT? There are over 20,500 dogs within the ring road of Kathmandu valley. Many dogs live in pitiful state, suffering from starvation, disease, maltreatment and skin disorders. Some dogs carry rabies. 16,000 people get dog bites every year while over 200 people die of rabies throughout the country. KAT is the only organization in Nepal that is humanely lowering the street dog population through its Animal Birth Control program. The Centre also attends to public rescue calls for sick, distressed or injured stray/community dogs and cats. How were street dogs controlled in the past? In an attempt to control the over growing street dog population the Municipal Authorities in Kathmandu conducted regular poisoning campaigns. Some 10,000 dogs per year were poisoned with strychnine. This method has proved to be ineffective and inhumane. It takes up to nine hours for a dog to die and the carcass was dumped in piles and left to decompose in the river beds. The dog carcasses present a further environmental hazard. As many Kathmandu residents depend on ground water – the carcass created serious hazards for human beings. Why does KAT focus on sterilization of female dogs only? KAT is small but growing organization. With the present facility and resources, KAT cannot cover whole of Kathmandu to provide services to some 20,500 dogs inside the ring road of Kathmandu Valley. The following equation may be very helpful to understand why we focus on sterilizing female dogs only. 10 Male + 1 Female = 1 litter = 5-8 puppies 1 Male + 10 Female = 10 litters = 50-80 puppies
How can people identify the dog that passed through KAT? Ears are notched and tattooed. In addition, a red collar is placed round the neck (note - only for fully grown mature dogs) for easy identification. Can I adopt a dog from the KAT Centre? Yes, dogs and cats can be adopted from the KAT Centre. Please call us at 4373169 to visit us or to get further information about the dogs/cats for adoption. How can I adopt them? You will be asked to fill in our Adoption Form. As per KAT Policy, we visit the home of a person who will be adopting an animal from the Centre. Do I need to pay for adopting a dog? No, you need not pay us for adopting a dog from our Centre. Instead, we provide free medical treatment for one year. After a year, you are welcome to bring the animal for check ups or vaccination. There is no fixed medical bill, but you are welcome to make a donation. Can I treat or sterilize my pet dog at the KAT Centre? KAT doesn't treat or sterilize private dogs. We recommend that you contact private veterinarians/clinics. We can help you with information. Are other animals also treated at KAT? KAT is currently focusing only on street canine population. We hope to be able to provide services to all animal species with help from the Government. Can I volunteer at KAT Centre? Please log onto our Volunteer section (KAT Volunteer Guidelines) for further information and details. How can I support the “Humane Management of Street Dogs for Community Benefit” campaign? Sponsoring our in-house dogs – Nrs 1,000 ($15) a month or Nrs. 10,000 ($150) a year (The donor will be updated every month about the condition of the dog being sponsored.) Becoming an Annual Member (Nrs 600 per year ($ 10). |
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© Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre | Chapali Gaon, Budanilkantha, GPO Box 8975, EPC 4120 Kathmandu, Nepal | Tel: +977 1 4373169 |
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