How to deal with stray street dogs in Nepal

Street dogs fighting in Kathmandu
Street dogs fighting in Thamel
Street dogs fighting in Thamel has become a common sight – likewise in Lakeside Pokhara and Chitwan

A tourists guide to not getting bitten by a street dog in Nepal

About 12 years ago in Nepal there was a massive dog cull to deal with the out of control dog population problem within the country. The numbers reduced dramatically, as did the number of dog bites. However, international animal rights protests and the Nepali love of dogs largely put an end to this.

Nepali dog bite sign
Dog bites are a reality not just for tourist but for Nepali too – local rabies vaccinations centers can be found in most towns

Various other methods such as sterilization, caring, housing and education have been introduced since then. However, all have ultimately failed to control the number of stray dogs in Nepal. Today there are an estimated 30,000+ street dogs in Kathmandu and the number is rising.

In one hospital alone, in Kathmandu, there are up to 150 cases of dog bites per day! In that hospital four patients died of rabies during one year. In 2018 the news got started to hit home with five Nepali fatalities in one month alone. (source).

Nepal is a great safe country to visit, but as a tourist it’s also important to stay safe because “reality really can bite”

This page will show you why there is a problem, how to avoid street dogs, what to do if you are threatened by dogs, what to do if attacked and what to do if you are bitten by a dog.

The problem of controlling stray dogs in Nepal

This article has not been written to warrant a discussion of what can be done about the street dogs. The dog has a religious bearing and there is even a day dedicated to a festival of the dog in Nepal. It is a guard for people and for housing. It is a living creature. For some it is even a means to create a profit by creating a “save the dog” type organization and receive international donations.

For some tourists they see a street dog and feel sorry for it. They feed it and care for it. Some even make pets of the dog for the duration of their stay and become “best friends”. Then the tourist leaves and the dog … Some say the people they entrusted will look after it. Others say little. The reality again is something few want to deal with.

Indeed there are many organizations in Nepal set up to protect street or stray dogs. Rehabilitating them, feeding them, caring for them and promoting their protection. Some even neuter them before putting them back on the street or up for adoption.

Meanwhile, for many more tourists and locals in Nepal street dogs are a menace, disturbance and life threatening danger.

This page is about how to stay safe from dogs in Nepal.

The difference between a street dog and a stray dog

There’s a thin line here. But a street dog has a human owner “somewhere”. Whereas a stray dog has none. In Nepal, in terms of walking along a street or road at night there is very little difference when either come out barking aggressively at you.

Worse yet when a pack of street dogs challenge you and surround you

A street dog and her pups
A street dog and her pups… neutering and castration has not worked

While this article may seem overly precautious or worrying to some, it is written as a reality check.

I’ve met many tourists who’ve either been bitten or threatened by streets dogs. Been kept awake all night by barking dogs. Or much worse ended up in hospital calling insurance companies and panicking over rabies vaccinations.

I have also been attacked, bitten and chased by street dogs on countless occasions and can’t stand animal cruelty.

Very little physical on the ground solutions are successfully being enabled. So the best solution is to be aware of the situation.

There’s no panic needed nor should you be overtly worried. But, you should be aware.

Where are the stray dogs in Nepal?

For tourists you are likely to encounter stray dogs just about everywhere in Nepal. From big cities, to villages and along mountain treks. There really is no escaping stray or “street” dogs.

Street dogs sleep
Dusk in Thamel Kathmandu is when the street dogs sleep before waking for a night of barking

Not all dogs are stray dogs. Many are simply untrained local dogs. Treat them all the same.

If you are exploring old heritage sites along Nepal’s streets you are likely to encounter them sleeping in the sun. Or guarding their spot by a house.

At night they roam in packs along the same streets. Thamel, which is a popular tourist accommodation area, is known for barking, biting and roaming dogs at night.

When garbage collectors come with their bags, or indeed anyone “scruffy” with a large bag walks along, the dogs jump up and start barking and trying to chase them off … great for keeping “undesirable people away” bad for tourists and recycling.

In Pokhara, Chitwan and other lesser dense areas the dogs are easily heard at night. Many sleep in bushes, relatively well hidden until startled and they jump out at you.

In the mountain treks dogs can either be wild, abandoned or left to protect an area.

Dealing with street dogs as a tourist in Nepal

Do make sure you have your rabies vaccinations before coming to Nepal. While snakes and monkeys are also rabies carriers it’s mainly dogs that infect humans in Nepal.

Here’s a list of ways to avoid street or stray dogs in Nepal:

  • Do not walk down a street where there is a pack of roaming dogs
  • Do not attempt to break up a fight between street dogs
  • Do not approach or try to pet any dog in Nepal
  • Do not feed any dog in Nepal – doing so only encourages them to approach other tourists who may not be able to deal with a dog!
  • Exercise caution if entering into a courtyard with multiple sleeping dogs
  • Do not enter a street or courtyard if a dog starts to bark at you from that area
  • Make sure your trekking guide knowns what to do if a dog attacks in the mountains
  • Not all rapidly approaching dogs are dangerous. Many dogs have been treated well by tourists compared to locals and are often very excited to see an affectionate tourist!

Ultimately, avoidance is the best solution.

Aside from attacks, street dog noise has been a growing problem particularly at night. Earplugs are the only solution. Do however let your own voice be heard by telling your hotel management you were disturbed by dogs barking. Hotels are part of the local community and want you to stay there. They are highly likely to become proactive if the problem means there’s a likelihood you won’t stay with them or give them a good review.

Likewise do give the Nepal Tourism Board feedback as without it they cannot act.

Culturally, many Nepali are not disturbed by barking dogs at night as they grew up with it. Meanwhile many tourists are kept awake as they were brought up that his sound means something is wrong somewhere. The hospitality industry is yet to take this seriously.

This is local dog in Panauti barking
This is local dog in Panauti: it came barking at me aggressively along a main street where I was trying to visit a temple – it was soon joined by other dogs – though it may look small one bite can end in a hospital visit, lest the nearby pack don’t do worse so the best option was to walk away and not visit this temple

Signs of an attacking or aggressive dog in Nepal

  • Snarling, growling and baring teeth are all classic signs of an aggressive dog
  • A dog with its ears laid back flat or rigidly pointed upwards can mean trouble
  • A dog whose body is rigid or tense can also mean they are in a heightened state

What to do if a dog attacks you in Nepal?

  • Do not panic! A dog may feel in control if it senses you are scared or vulnerable
  • Don’t make eye contact. A dog may sense this as a direct threat
  • Don’t wave your arms as the dog will see this as a threat
  • Actively look around for a local and ask for help. More often than not a local will command the dog to leave or throw a stone at it
  • Do not suddenly run away as a dog will sense this as part of a hunter prey situation
  • If the dog approaches you distract it by throwing a water bottle or food away to the side
  • If the dog initiates and attack shout a repeated word at it strongly without making eye contact
  • If the dog starts to bite or attack you then you have no choice but to defend yourself. Hit or kick the dog in either the throat, nose or the back of its head (avoid the top which is very thick). If you have a stick or pole then use it. If in a group someone can throw a stone at the dog (Nepali dogs have an instinct to run from stones or even the action of throwing a stone)
  • Do not let a pack of dogs encircle you! Back yourself against a wall, door or tree if possible. An attacking pack of dogs in Nepal often try to encircle a target before taking it down. Avoid falling at all costs!
  • Dogs attack by biting. Use your weight as an advantage by pinning the dog if you are caught in a close fight
  • If you do fall protect your head, throat and face. Roll onto your stomach and curl up into a ball protecting your face with your arms
  • Once the attack is over. Slowly crawl or walk away without making any noise. This will be difficult but vitally important as any sudden movements or noise can be seen as an act of aggression by the dog
Street dogs gather in Nepal
Reality bites: Nepal is a fantastic destination to visit – but as a tourist it’s important to stay safe – stay away from dogs

Do read more about dealing with attacking dogs.

Once you are clear of the dog, seek immediate medical attention! A rabies shot sequence will likely be necessary. As will a tetanus shot. Another reason to make sure you have travel insurance when visiting Nepal!

Only after you have received medical attention should you report the attack to the police, tourist police and Nepal Tourism Board.

Will dogs continue to be a problem in Nepal?

For the immediate future, yes. In Kathmandu the Municipal Council have said that they would tackle the street dog issue via sterilization in 2017. For many sterilization has not been enough nor effective. The remaining sterilized dogs go back on the streets contining to be a menace to all tourists and locals alike.

For those that say that many dogs are silently rounded up and inhumanly destroyed. Evidence is needed and clearly it’s still a problem.

Moreover, the stray dogs from surrounding towns often move to the bigger cities. It is also not just a Kathmandu problem, but a nationwide problem that constantly grows.

A taxi is surrounded by street dogs in Thamel, Kathmandu
A taxi is surrounded by street dogs in Thamel, Kathmandu … tell the driver to move on and don’t attempt to get out here

Sadly it seems that until such time as a high profile tourist get mauled there does not seem to be enough “will” to change the dog situation in Nepal.

A solution that’s not been implemented: Aside from nationwide education. One simple solution is to have all dogs along with their owners licensed and saved in a database. With 24 hour electricity now in Nepal there is no reason this system should not work.

A simple 200 rupee license fee and collar would be enough to make the project fund itself. Moreover the fee can be increased within city areas and decreased rurally. Any dog found without a license can then be freely rounded up and taken to a kennel.  What happens after that? Again, the 200 rupee fee could be used to house dogs without a license along with fines for those without licenses who wish to reclaim the dogs.

Likewise licensed dogs could be muzzled in certain areas or only allowed out on a leash. Moreover, this could also lead to cleaner streets if dog excrement clean ups were enforced per owner as well.

Neutering could be made mandatory along with dog and owner training depending on dog numbers. The licensing program could also help with funding this. For more funding some of the internationally funded animal rights groups can have a new challenge.

Meanwhile, stay clear of dogs in Nepal is ultimately your best form of protection.


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22 Replies to “How to deal with stray street dogs in Nepal”

  1. Interesting article. I’d like to know how other countries deal with stray dogs. It might help Nepal.

  2. It’s sad that tourists take dogs and then leave them behind. We found a dog on a road trip and took him home.

  3. I think dog licensing should be mandatory with fines for those who don’t keep dogs inside at night. We were really kept awake in Kathmandu this year.

  4. It’s good to know this before we go in November. Never thought about it! Thanks.

  5. So sad to see dogs like this. Why didn’t the neutering work?

  6. Packs of stray dogs shouldn’t be allowed anywhere. They will gather and hunt. If food becomes and issue they will attack people. It’s quite simple what needs to be done. Then, neuter the remaining dogs.

  7. Like above, never thought of a rabies jab. Thanks!

  8. I had this same experience on the streets of Thimphu, Bhutan. Packs of dogs are making the streets unsafe after sunset. The authorities have sought to reduce the number of street dogs through various measures. It seems like it boils down to their Buddhist unwillingness to take lives.

  9. Definitely gotta be aware of the street dog situation in KTM Dave. We noted quite a few in 2013. Much less than say Bangkok or, different parts of Bali overrun by street dogs but still, pretty thick. Be cautious. Treat loving dogs with care, but do avoid the more cheeky ones.

    Ryan

  10. You know I have never thought about this as an issue. I travel to South America pretty frequently, and there are stray dogs all over the place, but I have never really seen them as a threat like that.

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