Vosarogo Calls for Compassion and Responsible Pet Ownership

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo has called for greater compassion towards animals and stronger responsible pet ownership after a social media post appeared to suggest poisoning roaming dogs.

Vosarogo said he was “deeply saddened” after coming across a post shared by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which appeared to show a fellow Fijian expressing an intention to poison roaming dogs.

“Whether made in anger or frustration, such sentiments should concern all of us,” he said.

The Minister said the way society treated vulnerable animals reflected its values, stressing that dogs could not be blamed for being abandoned, neglected or allowed to roam freely.

“Dogs do not choose to be abandoned, neglected or left to roam our streets. They cannot speak for themselves, nor can they be held responsible for the failures of those entrusted with their care,” Vosarogo said.

At the same time, he stressed that responsible pet ownership must remain at the heart of efforts to address the problem.

He said owners who allowed their animals to roam unchecked had a duty to do better, while communities also needed practical support to manage stray dog populations humanely and responsibly.

Vosarogo also acknowledged measures already introduced by the Coalition Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, to strengthen animal welfare in Fiji.

He highlighted a new package of incentives introduced in the 2026–2027 National Budget to support the establishment of veterinary centres, animal sanctuaries and animal welfare facilities.

The Government has also introduced a 200 per cent tax deduction for donations to approved animal welfare organisations, creating an incentive for individuals and businesses to invest in the protection and care of animals.

While noting that the law prohibits acts of cruelty towards animals, Vosarogo said the issue went beyond legal consequences.

“It is about the kind of country we aspire to be — one that responds to difficult problems with compassion, responsibility and common sense rather than violence,” he said.

Vosarogo said he intended to discuss the matter with the Minister for Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders to explore what more could be done to strengthen responsible pet ownership, support humane animal management and ensure government policies were matched by practical action on the ground.

“Our humanity is measured not only by how we treat one another, but also by how we treat those who cannot defend themselves,” Vosarogo said.

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