Environmental activist tells Al-Qabas: Establish dog shelters in the north and south of the country
Environmental activist Dr. Fares Al-Ajmi believes that the stray dog problem has reached a critical stage requiring urgent action. He emphasized that the damage is no longer confined to remote areas but has extended to colleges, universities, and some schools, becoming a source of fear for students, passersby, workers, as well as families and citizens. He called for the establishment of dog shelters in the northern and southern parts of the country, stressing that addressing the issue does not mean cruelty or killing the dogs, but rather adopting well-planned measures that show compassion toward animals. He pointed out the necessity of providing shelter, food, medical treatment, and vaccinations for the dogs after they are collected and housed, and highlighted the importance of learning from international experiences in tackling the spread of stray dogs, including providing dedicated facilities and veterinary care.
Al-Ajmi affirmed that the required approach is to deal with the dogs in a humane and ethical manner, explaining that the solution begins with collecting them and moving them away from residential areas and human gatherings, while designating suitable locations for them. He noted that discussions about establishing facilities in the northern and southern regions could provide space to address the problem away from populated areas. He added that allowing dogs to roam freely in these areas also puts them at risk, in addition to the health implications, as they may feed on food waste or carcasses in certain locations, making their continued presence in this manner an environmental and health issue, as well as a source of concern for residents.
Al-Ajmi stressed the necessity of providing shelter, food, medical treatment, and vaccinations for the collected dogs, citing international experiences that focus on providing dedicated facilities and veterinary care. He stated that these animals, as he put it, are “creatures that do not understand or comprehend,” and their reactions may differ if they are exposed to hunger or threats.
