A campaign launched to neuter and vaccinate stray dogs to minimise the threat of rabies has proven to be a great success in Pokhara Sub-metropolis.

The drive was initiated by Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust in coordination with Kaski District Veterinary Office.

Trust Director Khageshwor Sharma said around 3,200 dogs have been sterilised in Pokhara as part of the campaign that started seven years ago. Since then, Sharma said, Pokhara has witnessed an encouraging decline in stray dog population.

Today, there are roughly 2,800 stray dogs in Pokhara. Seven years ago, there were around 3,500 stray dogs living in the city streets.

According to Sharma, around 70 percent of the stray dogs in Pokhara have been vaccinated against rabies.

Thanks to the vaccination programme, the incidence of putting down stray dogs with poison-laced food has also decreased. Omraj Poudel, of Pokhara Sub-metropolis, said they were committed to controlling stray dog population in the city that receives high number of tourists.

Rakesh Prajapati, the chief of District Veterinary Office, said Pokhara was once considered a high risk zone for rabies because of its stray dog population. The vaccination drive has largely reduced the risk, he confirmed.

To mark the World Animal Day on Tuesday, Prajapati said, the District Veterinary Office was organising an event against rabies in Pokhara.