He is actually one of the lucky ones -- the sedated animal is among several hundred that will be vaccinated and neutered during a three-month city campaign in Rangoon's southern Lanmadaw township. Loved by some and loathed by others, local authorities have for years tried to contain the swelling packs of dogs by feeding them poisoned meat. But animal rights activists have lobbied the government to change tack, arguing that the killings do little to contain the population or stop the spread of rabies. As the drugs kick in, a worker muzzles the limp dog and ties his paws together with twine. He is carried to a makeshift operating table outside, where he is swiftly dealt with by a vet and placed next to several other sleeping dogs. Later, the animals will be released back onto the streets with red collars. "I love the dogs," said local resident Moe Lwe Lwe, who has been feeding them rice and curry for 18 years and helps with the sterilisation programme. "They are very cuddly. I am nuts for them.