A rabies outbreak in the Ethiopian town of Hossana has triggered the reported killing of hundreds of dogs amid conflicting claims over who authorised the action, following the deaths of three children and the hospitalisation of dozens of residents after dog bites.
The incident is linked to a wider rabies outbreak in the area, where health officials have said more than 80 people were hospitalised following suspected dog bites.
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop in humans. The disease is preventable through vaccination, and mass dog vaccination is the primary global control method, although authorities may resort to euthanising suspected infected animals in outbreak situations where vaccination coverage is uncertain.
Reports indicate that the outbreak led to urgent community-level measures after the public health scare, with residents reportedly warned by community leaders of fines and possible arrest if they failed to eliminate their dogs, including vaccinated animals. However, authorities have disputed claims that a formal directive was issued by the local administration.
According to the BBC, within days of the outbreak response, large numbers of dogs were killed across the town, with veterinary estimates putting the figure at between 400 and 450 animals. The killings reportedly involved both owned and stray dogs, with some residents handing over animals for culling under pressure.
The enforcement measures have sparked a dispute between community groups and local government authorities over responsibility for the directive. While some community groups have been accused of issuing orders linked to the killings, the town’s mayor, Samuel Shigute, has denied that the administration authorised any such action, saying investigations have been launched.
The incident has also raised questions over compliance with national animal welfare laws, which prohibit the killing of animals in public spaces or subjecting them to cruel treatment. According to authorities, police intervened to halt the killings within a day, although reports suggest pressure on dog owners has continued in some areas.
“People dragged dogs out and killed them in shocking ways,” veterinary officer Alaazar Ayele, who estimated that between 400 and 450 dogs were killed, told the BBC.
“The local government bodies say that they did not do it and did not give the order. If not, they should hold the criminals accountable,” Feven Melese, who runs an animal rights organisation in Addis Ababa, added.
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