EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY
Village Canines of Africa
Raj Balu
Important Animals
The importance of dogs in the lives of humans cannot be overstated. Throughout history, they have provided unconditional love and companionship to people. They have provided protection against enemies at all costs. They have performed a host of functions and served humankind in diverse ways including war, sled pulling, herding, hunting and assisting the handicapped. Dogs have proven to truly be man’s best friend, and then some.
In Africa, there are dogs everywhere. But unlike in many other parts of the world, most African village dogs are not a mixture of modern breeds. They have in fact descended from an ancestral pool of indigenous dogs, making them genetically distinct from mixed breeds.
Genetically Distinct
While most modern breeds of dogs all share relatively small gene pools, new evidence has been found that shows that African village dogs have much greater genetic diversity.
Researchers based out of the University of California have recently sampled DNA from over 300 dogs in Egypt, Namibia and Uganda. They also collected other measurements like weight, age and coat color. Comparing their findings to an existing DNA archive at Cornell University that has sampled dogs from all over the world, they discovered that African village dogs descended from indigenous dogs and non-native mixed breeds. A previous study suggested that East Asian village dogs had the most genetic diversity and therefore, dog breeding and domestication originally began there. However, now that it is known that African village dogs have a similar kind of genetic diversity, it raises doubt that domestication began in East Asia. Researchers plan on continuing to collect samples from all over the world and explore how modern breeds originated.
The history of village dogs in Africa is truly fascinating. But the realities of some of today’s diseases require people to take important health precautions.
Rabid Strays
A stroll through many of the villages in Africa will reveal an eye-opening sight – dozens of stray dogs that look mangy, skittish and hungry. It may be the first instinct for some tourists to feed, pet and care for these animals, but contact with them can be dangerous. 
Many of these dogs carry the rabies virus, a dangerous disease that affects the central nervous system and ultimately the brain. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal. After a bite, it is imperative to seek treatment immediately. There is also a pre-exposure vaccine that provides protection against the disease.
If you are traveling to a part of the world that has a high risk of the disease, it advisable to consult a healthcare professional about getting a vaccination. It is also suggested that you avoid coming into close proximity with stray dogs, monkeys and other animals including livestock. If you do get bitten while in Africa, it is important to get a rabies shot. Be forewarned that in many places in Africa, it is difficult to find healthcare providers. Also, the rabies vaccine is often in limited supply there.
The best way to avoid rabies exposure is to be proactive and visit a healthcare provider before your trip while you are still at home.
Animal Welfare
In impoverished countries where millions of people regularly go without adequate food, water and basic healthcare, it is unlikely that there are many animal welfare programs in place. Dogs and other animals are generally left to fend for themselves and if they can’t find food or get sick, they perish.
But there are a few countries in Africa that are making a strong attempt at taking dog and other animal welfare seriously. It used to be that there were no animal welfare groups at all in Uganda. But in 1998, The Uganda Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (USPCA) was formed, setting a precedent for welfare groups all over Africa. USPCA works hard to make sure that animals around the country have an opportunity for compassionate care. They have many methods for doing this, including dispelling rumors linked to cultural tradition that cause animal suffering, and showing people that there are economic benefits to being compassionate. The organization runs a highly successful adoption program through which nearly 100 animals, including dogs, find new homes each year. They also have emergency services through which they respond to calls about injuries and abuse.
In recent times, Tanzania has joined the growing ranks of countries taking a step towards the welfare of animals. They have passed the Animal Welfare Bill, which protects dogs, cats and farm animals from  torturous conditions. For example, in Arusha, chickens are considered to be a delicacy and they are often transported in cramped conditions, such as in wheelbarrows, or hanging upside down on bicycles. Even before they get to the slaughter, they live a painful life. Under the Bill, by-laws now explain how owners are supposed to keep and treat their animals. In general, the laws state that animals should never have to experience unnecessary pain.
There are many dogs and other animals in Uganda and Tanzania that stand to benefit from the organizations and laws that have been designed to protect them
Deserving of Compassion
Dogs are hugely important to mankind, affecting the lives of people on a daily basis. They have served us with undying loyalty and the strongest sense of duty. The least we can do is to repay the debt with compassion and respect.
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
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