Youth speak up on stray dog issue
Manama : The growing number of stray dogs in residential areas has fuelled a widespread debate among residents, government officials and animal activists.
The Municipalities Affairs Ministry had disclosed that at least BD13,000 would be needed to implement a comprehensive and effective Capture, Neuter and Return (CNR) Programme with all its resources in terms of cages, transportation vehicles etc.
This was definitely hailed as an ideal proposal by many, but DT News has decided to get opinions from the public, particularly from the youth, about how they view these efforts, what their concerns are and what other possible solutions do they consider to rectify the issue.
Dana Makawi, University of Bahrain graduate
At present, the issue of stray animals is being contained – to a degree – by joint efforts of the local community. Furthermore, people are currently doing their best to spay as well as feed animals without seeking any kind of profit. The BSPCA plays an important role in putting up pets for adoption and providing medical care.
However, I was disappointed by the recent shutdown of government veterinarians as they it used to provide vaccinations at a low price. I also wish if the municipality was more involved as it can help provide proper care and most importantly a shelter for stray animal during extreme weather conditions.
Deshni Fernando, BFC Group Employee
It’s great that the municipality is finally willing to work on a sound solution rather than just coming up with inhumane and unrealistic ideas like killing, shooting or sending the dogs to other countries. In no way is harming any of God’s creatures justified, and the officials do have a tendency to be in sensitively cruel with some of their solutions. But there’s always a better solution than killing.
Thus far the solution that the officials have come up with is feasible, but I think it would help if a licence to own one’s pet is introduced. With this, I think, people will not dare leave their pets behind in public places.
Reem Ebrahim, Al Maarifa Secondary Girls School student, freelance model and makeup artist
In my opinion, it’s too cruel because stray dogs deserve to be treated well. So what I would suggest is to build some kind of large centre where stray dogs and cats can be taken care of. Also, people who are interested should be allowed to adopt them. I have personally noticed that unlike before, stray dogs are everywhere nowadays. So we should fix this problem before it’s too late.
Yousif Rasool, Polytechnic Student
I think that the BSPCA is doing an amazing effort. Meanwhile, a joint municipal action would create more awareness, as we want these dogs to be taken care of and saved from accidents or random deaths in the streets. The officials are not cruel and their support is justified.
My opinion is to do more roadshows and create awareness to save these animals. Some senseless people tend to hit and kill them. Sometimes these animals bite off in defence, which again is very dangerous. Only an awareness programme explaining how important these animals are to our planet can bring an effective solution to this issue. I also urge the expats to come forward and support this initiative.
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