Animal welfare society flays Bahrain MP’s remarks

Manama: A local animal welfare society slammed the statements of an MP, who recently accused it of “not doing its job” in local press.

In reply to MP Ali Al Ateesh’s recent harsh criticism of its work in regards to solving the stray dogs issue in the country, Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) said in a statement that it’s “disappointed to hear the views expressed by the parliamentarian”.

The society said, “It is the responsibility of the Municipalities to solve Bahrain’s stray dog problem as set in the Municipalities Law. Contrary to MP Ali Al Ateesh’s knowledge, the BSPCA has repeatedly counselled the authorities in the past and continues to provide advice to the government on a long term solution to the problem in the form of a Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) programme.”

Explaining further, BSPCA said, “This is entirely feasible in Bahrain as shown by the BSPCA’s pilot CNVR programme in 2012/13, which was funded by the Dog’s Trust in the UK. Unfortunately, the government was unable to find the modest resources needed to continue.”

DT News reported on April 28 that the parliamentarian had accused BSPCA of not finding realistic and practical solutions for the stray dogs issue in Bahrain.

The society said it would welcome a meeting with Al Ateesh to discuss his proposed better solutions, “if any are ever put forward.”Meanwhile, Al Ateesh wasn’t reachable yesterday despite numerous attempts to contact him.

The society’s statement added, “BSPCA currently runs a more limited programme for stray cats and dogs - funds permitting. The Society relies solely on private donations and does not receive any financial or other material support from central or local government.” “BSPCA, as a charity, and dependent on its members and volunteers goodwill does what it can with limited funds.”

The issue of stray dogs has raised wide controversy among the society lately, as many, mainly villagers, farmers and cattle breeders, are demanding an immediate solution. 

However, an equivalent number of animal lovers and enthusiasts are calling for more merciful solutions such as CNVR.