Residents of Ethiopian Town Forced to Kill Hundreds of Their Own Dogs After Rabies Deaths

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: Residents of an Ethiopian town have been forced to kill hundreds of their own dogs after three children died from rabies.

Powerful community groups in the central town of Hossana told residents they would be fined and arrested if their dogs were not killed, even if the animals had been vaccinated for rabies, residents reported. This drastic measure was taken in response to an alarming public health crisis that emerged following the deaths of the children, highlighting the severe consequences of rabies in the region.

The community groups issued the orders after three children died from dog bites and 80 other people were hospitalized, local mayor Samuel Shigute stated. Rabies is a viral disease that can infect any mammal, but it is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected dog. The disease is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, making it a significant public health concern in many parts of the , including Ethiopia.

Eyewitnesses recounted that after the order was imposed, some reluctant owners hanged their dogs or beat them to death, while others were handed over to be killed. The emotional toll on these pet owners was significant, as many had to choose between the safety of their community and their love for their pets. The BBC has seen photos, which are too graphic to publish, of the bodies of dogs hanging from trees. Another image showed several dead dogs lying on a field with ropes around their necks, illustrating the brutal nature of the killings.

The community associations behind the directive are affiliated with the local government, but Mayor Samuel called the dog killings "illegal" and told the BBC they were not ordered by his administration. This statement raises questions about the accountability of local authorities and the role of community organizations in enforcing such extreme measures. It also reflects the tension between public health initiatives and animal rights, particularly in regions where rabies is prevalent.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, shared that he was ordered to kill his dog but could not bring himself to do so. "I decided not to kill him myself, but to let them do it without me seeing. I handed him over, and he was killed a little far from the settlement," he said. This sentiment was echoed by many in the community, who felt trapped between the fear of legal repercussions and their emotional bonds with their pets. "I am very saddened by the loss of the dog that lived with me for five years and was the pride of our house," he added, noting that his dog had been vaccinated for rabies.

Samuel stated that roughly 70% of Hossana's 10,000 dogs were guard dogs that had received rabies vaccinations. This statistic underscores the importance of vaccination in controlling rabies outbreaks. Vaccination is a critical tool in preventing the spread of rabies, both in animals and in humans. However, the presence of unvaccinated dogs in the community remains a significant risk factor, especially in a country where rabies is endemic.

Local vet Alaazar Ayele expressed his sorrow over the deaths, stating, "We estimate that 400 to 450 dogs were killed in just a few days." The scale of the killings raises ethical questions about how communities respond to public health crises. "People dragged dogs out and killed them in shocking ways. This is immoral and unacceptable in religion, culture, and law. Videos show owners crying as their dogs were killed," he said, emphasizing the emotional and moral conflict faced by dog owners in Hossana.

Rabies is a serious disease that humans usually catch from the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a dog. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear in humans, but treatment administered before this point can be successful. The urgency to eliminate potential carriers of the disease often leads to drastic measures, as seen in Hossana. Unvaccinated dogs, in most cases, cannot survive the disease as there is no treatment for animals. Therefore, dogs across the region are usually put down if they are known to have rabies. This practice, while aimed at protecting human health, raises significant ethical concerns regarding animal welfare.

Samuel mentioned that local police and security forces stopped the dog killings "within a day." However, Feven Melese, who runs an animal rights organization in the capital, Addis Ababa, and has been receiving reports from Hossana, indicated that although the mass killings had stopped, individuals were still "going door to door asking people to get rid of unvaccinated dogs." This continuation of pressure on dog owners suggests that the fear of rabies and the associated community response remains high, even after the initial wave of violence against dogs has ceased. Alaazar also stated that the killings were continuing, indicating that the situation is still precarious for many pet owners in the region.

Along with the threat of arrest, dog owners were told they would be fined 50,000 birr ($300; £225) if they did not put their animals down, one resident reported. This financial penalty adds another layer of pressure on residents, many of whom may already be struggling economically. In Ethiopia, it is illegal to kill animals in public spaces or cause them to suffer in cruel and abnormal ways. This legal framework exists to protect animal rights, but the enforcement of such laws can be inconsistent, especially in the face of public health emergencies.

Samuel stated he had ordered the police to investigate the killings, while Feven called for the authorities to take swift action. "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," she urged. The call for accountability highlights the need for clear communication and responsibility among local authorities and community groups, especially in times of crisis.

In conclusion, the tragic events in Hossana highlight the ethical dilemmas faced by communities in dealing with rabies outbreaks and the impact of community pressure on individual actions. The situation raises important questions about how best to balance public health concerns with the rights of animals and the emotional bonds that people have with their pets. It also underscores the need for comprehensive public health strategies that include education, vaccination programs, and community engagement to prevent such tragedies in the future. As rabies continues to pose a threat in many regions, finding humane and effective solutions will be crucial in protecting both human and animal lives.