2,000 stray dogs killed

CIREBON, West Java: About 2,000 stray dogs have been killed over the past year here in a bid to combat rabies, Antara reported Saturday.

A. Glenarto, head of the Ministry of Agriculture's husbandry department, said it's target was 80 percent of the 2,500 stray dogs in the area.

Some 500 personnel took part in the operation which began in October last year and is scheduled to end on Nov. 24.

Strychnine is used to poison the dogs, Glenarto said.

The office has vaccinated about 2,750 dogs or 80 percent of the 3,440 pet dogs in the regency.

Each vaccination cost up to Rp 15,000 (US$4). (aan)