Dhaka’s Dual Crisis: A Call for Collective Action on Waste Contamination and Homeless Animal Welfare

Abstract

Dhaka, Bangladesh, is grappling with a dual crisis as waste pollution and a severe health crisis affecting homeless animals cast a worrying shadow over the city’s reputation. This article carefully explores metropolises’ interconnected challenges, emphasising the critical need for a collective response from governments, citizens, and diverse organisations. The waste management crisis, characterised by inefficient disposal systems and increased garbage piles, poses substantial health risks to the population. At the same time, homeless animals endure dire living conditions, which raises significant concerns for animal welfare. Notably, this article addresses a significant research gap by highlighting the limited existing studies examining the effects of waste pollution on animal welfare. In doing so, it proposes a comprehensive approach that includes immediate waste management solutions, public awareness campaigns, government support for animal welfare, community participation, international cooperation, policy reform, emergency medical care for animals, as well as long-term sustainable planning, and a robust monitoring and Evaluation framework. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, expert interviews and a systematic literature review, the study identifies sources of pollution, factors affecting animal population development indicators. The findings underscore the need for urgent and concerted efforts to address these interrelated challenges and restore the city’s ecological and social well-being for all its species.