Gulshan Society and Dhaka Animal Welfare Alliance Trust (DAWAT) on Friday launched a special programme to vaccinate and collar stray dogs across the capital.

Gulshan Society President Barrister Omar Sadat, who is also president of DAWAT, and DAWAT Secretary General Nazneen Haque Akbar formally inaugurated the programme in the morning at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar Sadat said in a civilised city, all animals and birds have equal rights to coexist alongside humans.

"Stray dogs are also a part of our urban society. They live with people on our streets, parks and in the surrounding areas. A humane city does not respond to dogs and cats through fear or cruelty. Rather, it responds through responsibility, compassion and practical initiatives," he said.

Expressing the intention of DAWAT and Gulshan Society to jointly vaccinate and collar all stray dogs in Dhaka for identification, Omar Sadat said vaccination will help protect both animals and humans.

He said collars will allow residents and the relevant authorities to easily identify vaccinated dogs.

Gulshan Society Secretary General Mojibur Rahman Mridha, Joint Secretary General Jaya Kabir and local dignitaries, among others, were present at the event.