Residents of Hossana town, in the Central Ethiopia region, have reported that hundreds of dogs were killed following a series of dog bite incidents that resulted in the deaths of some people in the area.
Residents and officials said the killing began after the deaths of three children due to complications related to rabies.
According to eyewitnesses, neighborhood representatives ordered residents to kill their dogs regardless of their vaccination status.
It was reported that pet owners were forced to strangle their animals with ropes or beat them to death.
Those who refused to comply with the order faced a fine of $300.
A resident of the area told the BBC on condition of anonymity that the killing began after two siblings died from dog bites. "Despite the fact that vaccinations had been given, the neighborhood representatives launched a campaign to kill all dogs without considering their health condition, whether they had been vaccinated or not."
Another witness, Alaazar Kebede, a veterinarian, told the BBC: "Although vaccinations had already been administered, the neighborhood representatives launched a campaign to eliminate all the dogs in the area. Dog owners were ordered to kill their animals, and those who refused were arrested. We estimate that between 400 and 450 dogs were killed within just a few days."
Alaazar added, "People are dragging dogs and killing them in cruel ways. This is inhumane and is unacceptable religiously, culturally, and legally."
Videos show dog owners crying bitterly as their dogs are being killed.