Ethiopian Town Faces Dog Massacres Amid Rabies Outbreak

WHO:

BBC News - Residents of Hossana, Ethiopia, are involved in the mass killing of dogs.

BBC - Feven Melese runs an animal rights organization in Addis Ababa.

WHAT:

BBC News - Hundreds of dogs have been killed by residents in Hossana to avoid arrest or fines.

BBC - Although mass killings have reportedly stopped, individuals are still going door to door asking people to get rid of unvaccinated dogs.

WHERE:

BBC News - The events are taking place in Hossana, Ethiopia.

BBC - Feven Melese is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

WHY:

BBC News - The killings are a response to rabies deaths in the area.

HOW:

BBC News - Residents are hanging their dogs to avoid legal repercussions.

(UPDATED July 2, 2026 17:38 UTC)

In Hossana, Ethiopia, residents have engaged in the mass killing of dogs as a drastic measure to avoid potential arrests or fines linked to rabies concerns in the area. Although these killings have reportedly ceased, individuals are still going door to door urging people to eliminate unvaccinated dogs. Feven Melese, who runs an animal rights organization in Addis Ababa, is closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.