In Dhaka, street dogs are a common sight, blending into the daily life of neighborhoods. They can be found resting near roadside shops, roaming markets under the cover of night, and scavenging for food scraps. Typically, news stories involving these dogs focus on conflicts such as biting incidents, resident complaints, or viral videos showcasing abuse. However, there is a lesser-known aspect of work quietly progressing in the background.
Furry Friends Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to animal welfare in Bangladesh, takes a structured approach to address the street dog dilemma, steering away from emotional reactions. Their efforts concentrate on three primary areas: sterilization, vaccination, and treatment for severe illnesses affecting stray dogs.
Tasneem Sinha, the chairperson of Furry Friends Foundation, was personally moved to initiate this cause following a tragic incident involving her own rescued dogs. Two of her animals succumbed to preventable diseases, prompting her to take action.
The Foundation’s cornerstone initiative is the CNVR program, which stands for Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return. This method is widely recognized as a humane strategy for managing street dog populations. Instead of permanently removing or euthanizing animals, the program aims to stabilize the population over time.
Under the CNVR program, street dogs are captured, sterilized, vaccinated against diseases like rabies, and then released back into their original territories. This territorial return is vital as it prevents unsterilized dogs from encroaching on the area.
In addition to the CNVR program, the Foundation emphasizes vaccination to protect dogs against rabies and other serious illnesses. Moreover, they focus on providing cancer treatment for street dogs, particularly addressing issues like Transmissible Venereal Tumour (TVT).
Furry Friends Foundation, established officially in January 2025, has been primarily self-funded by its founders with a drive to secure corporate sponsorships. The organization aims to collaborate with local authorities to expand sterilization and vaccination programs throughout Dhaka, alongside changing public perceptions about street dogs.
Tasneem Sinha envisions a society where street dogs can coexist harmoniously with humans, emphasizing the importance of creating a sustainable environment for these animals. The Foundation plans to broaden its initiatives across urban and semi-urban regions of Bangladesh, promoting responsible animal care and compassion toward stray animals.
Moving forward, Furry Friends Foundation aims to extend its CNVR programs, vaccination campaigns, and cancer treatment services, all while advocating for a society where every stray dog is cherished, healthy, and embraced as part of the community.