Irresponsible Dog Owners Endangering Communities, While Responsible Owners Set an Example

The recent court decision to award a victim of a dog attack has once again raised concerns about irresponsible pet ownership, with many questioning why some dog owners continue to allow their animals to roam freely outside their properties.

While dogs are an integral part of many Fijian households, failing to keep them secured within a compound puts both the public and the animals at risk.

Unsupervised dogs can attack pedestrians, chase vehicles, damage property, and even become aggressive towards other pets.

In extreme cases, these free-roaming dogs have caused serious injuries and, tragically, fatalities.

Under Fiji’s Dogs Act, dog owners are legally required to keep their pets under control at all times.

However, a lack of enforcement and personal accountability has resulted in an increase in stray and free-roaming dogs, many of which were once household pets.

“Many people don’t take pet ownership seriously,” says an animal welfare advocate from the SPCA.

“They adopt dogs without considering the long-term responsibility—vaccinations, desexing, proper enclosures. Instead, they let their dogs run free, thinking they will just ‘come back home.’ That’s not how responsible ownership works.”

Residents have expressed growing frustration over the number of dogs roaming the streets, often forming packs and posing a danger to pedestrians, children, and cyclists.

“It’s scary,” said one Suva resident. “You can’t even go for an evening walk without seeing stray dogs or aggressive pets that have been left to roam.”

While some pet owners neglect their duties, many responsible dog owners in Fiji are setting a great example. These individuals ensure that their dogs are properly contained, well-fed, vaccinated, and trained, helping to reduce the risks associated with free-roaming animals.

“There are amazing dog owners who take pet ownership seriously,” said a local veterinarian. “They provide their dogs with safe enclosures, ensure they get proper medical care, and never let them out unsupervised.

We need to recognize and thank them for their commitment to responsible pet care.”

Many pet owners have also taken proactive steps to desex their animals, helping to reduce the number of unwanted puppies that often end up abandoned or in shelters.

Animal welfare organizations, including SPCA and Animals Fiji, have long called for stricter enforcement of pet ownership laws, as well as more community awareness programs to educate people on the importance of responsible pet care.

“The issue isn’t just about stray dogs—it’s about people who refuse to take responsibility,” said a spokesperson from Animals Fiji.

“Stronger regulations and community-driven initiatives are needed to ensure that people understand the dangers of allowing dogs to roam freely.”

As authorities continue investigating recent dog-related incidents, the call for greater responsibility from pet owners grows louder.