‘Stray dogs will not be killed’

Manama : Stray dogs would not be killed and euthanasia would only be applied to sick dogs that have very little chance for survival, clarified Muharraq Municipal Council Chairman, Mohammed Abdulla Al Sinan.

This come in the backdrop of a comprehensive campaign launched against proliferation of stray dogs by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry last week.

Al Sinan, while speaking to DT News, explained, “The campaign is to catch stray dogs and take them to shelters. We don’t kill the dogs and even when it comes to mercy killing, it is only done to dogs hit by vehicles or when the animal  is very sick. Teachings in Islam forbid the killing of dogs unless it is rabid or a case where someone is in danger and this applies to all types of animals.”

He further explained that the ministry was receiving several phone calls and notices through social media about the menace. Cases of dogs biting children and people during morning walks have also been reported, according to Al Sinan.

“Recently traffic accidents involving stray dogs were also reported, which forced us to start the operation to ensure the safety of the citizens and the dogs as well. Our mechanisms are transparent and we’ve had meetings with representatives from the municipalities, animal societies and national safety council to keep humans and dogs safe,” he said.

Al Sinan pointed out that feeding stray dogs is a major factor that contribute to the problem of the animal attacking humans.

“When people feed the dogs, they  get used to this treatment. Later, when the person is not there to feed, the dogs will starve and it will cause them to wander in search of 
food and in some cases they go rabid,” he said.

“We are working  with animal activists as part of the Municipalities Affair’s objective to solve this menace and ensure public safety,” he concluded.