𝐍𝐀𝐃𝐏𝐌&𝐑𝐂𝐏 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲: 𝟸𝟽ᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ 𝟹𝟶ᴛʜ ᴏᴄᴛᴏʙᴇʀ 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹

27th & 30 October 2023

The Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Program (NADPM&RCP) is a national collaboration between the Department of Livestock and De-suung Organization, implemented through a whole-of-nation approach. The program aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Achieve 100% sterilization coverage of free-roaming dogs.
• Ensure 100% responsible pet ownership.
• Eliminate dog-mediated rabies in humans by 2030.
• Conserve native dog breeds.

The program has been implemented in different phases, namely nationwide, mopping, and combing phases, covering 20 Dzongkhags and four Thromdes. It has been completed, achieving remarkable milestones, including a nationwide 100 percent sterilization coverage of free-roaming dogs (FRDs) and the vaccination of over 90 percent of these dogs, which is the first of its kind in the world. The milestones include:

• Sterilization of 61,680 (91.2% unowned (FRD) and 8.8% owned) dogs.
• Microchipping and registration of 32,544 pet dogs.
• Anti-rabies vaccination of 61,331 (91.1% unowned and 8.9% owned) dogs.
• Amendment of Livestock Rules and Regulations in 2022.
• Construction of the Changkhyi Conservation Centre (CCC) for native breed conservation.

To mark this historic event, a closing ceremony was held on 27 October 2023, in Thimphu. The ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), Dasho Tashi Dorji, Chair of the De-suung Skilling Program, Hon’ble Secretary, MoAL, Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, and other distinguished guests.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister awarded a certificate of recognition to acknowledge the Dzongkhag Administrations of Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha, and Gasa, and Thimphu Thromde Administration.

Furthermore, an agreement of commitment to sustaining the achievement was signed between the Director, Department of Livestock, and the respective Dzongdas and the Thrompon in the presence of the Hon’ble Secretary, MoAL.

Figure 1: Program closing ceremony in Thimphu, dated 27 Oct 2023.

The closing ceremonies in other regions were held on 30 October 2023 in Phuentsholing, Bumthang, and Trashigang, where certificates of recognition and the signing of the exit strategy with the remaining Dzongkhag and Thromde Administrations took place.

The closing ceremony in Phuentsholing was graced by Dasho Zimpon, RIGSS, Phuentsholing, who awarded the certificate of recognition to the Dzongdas of Chhukha, Samtse, Dagana, and Tsirang, and Phuentsholing Thrompon. In attendance were the Livestock Officials and De-suung participants from these Dzongkhags and Thromde.

Figure 2: Program closing ceremony in Phuentsholing, dated 30 October 2023.

The event in Bumthang was attended by the Dzongdas of Sarpang, Zhemgang, Trongsa, and Bumthang; Gelephu Thrompon; Livestock Officials and De-suung participants from these Dzongkhags and Thromde, and other distinguished guests.

Figure 3: Program closing ceremony in Bumthang, dated 30 October 2023.

The program closing ceremony in Trashigang was attended by the Dzongdas of Lhuentse, Monggar, Pema Gatshel, Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, and Samdrup Jongkhar; Samdrup Jongkhar Thrompon; Livestock Officials and De-suung participants from these Dzongkhags and Thromde, and other distinguished guests.

Figure 5: Program closing ceremony in Trashigang, dated 30 October 2023.

It was due to logistical challenges and as a cost-cutting measure that the program closings were held in four regions.

 

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