ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP):

Authorities plan to kill tens of thousands of stray dogs in the Ethiopian capital, saying they want to eradicate rabies before next week's celebration of the Coptic millennium.

Animal-rights activists and commentators have described the plans as cruel and barbaric.

Ethiopia follows the Coptic calendar, which is about seven years behind the more common Gregorian. A 10-hour, US$1.6 million party is scheduled in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square to mark the millennium. The celebrations are expected to draw tourists from around the world.