Animal activists express outrage over dog poisoning deaths in Bahrain
Manama : Animal rights activists in the Kingdom have raised their concerns over getting rid of stray dogs by means of poison.
Reports say at least 70 such poisoning incidents occurred in Tubli alone this year. Bilad Al Qadeem, Sitra and Salmabad also reported a dozen such killings.
According to Fathiya Al Bastaki, the founder of a group concerned about stray animals rescue, dozens of strays have disappeared mysteriously during the past few weeks.
Many of the strays, Al Bastaki said, went missing were regularly fed by them. Some of them were found dead apparently “affected by eating poisoned baits.”
“Poisoning campaign is systematic and organised by a group of stray dog haters,” she told DT News.
The matter, she said, has been reported to the police and investigation is ongoing to find the culprits.
Bahrain strays, the group founded by Al Bastaki, has lodged complaints against several such poisoning incidents in the Kingdom, mainly in the Capital Governorate.
When asked the Interior Ministry confirmed that they are closely monitoring the issue and investigators will soon find those responsible for what they have done.
Strongly condemning the acts, Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry also pledged to bring the culprits before the law.
Al Bastaki told DT News that her group has been feeding the strays for the past six years. “Though some abuse cases were reported earlier, the poisoning incidents are new,” she said.
She said that her group is issuing warnings to pet owners not to allow their pets eat meat placed on roadsides, as “it might probably be poisoned”.
“We have coordinated with many members of the community, including watch guards, to observe any suspicious activities and report it to the police,” Al Bastaki said.
Stray dogs issue has been fuming in the Kingdom for a while now. Many have demanded immediate action to curb their presence in the residential areas, while others have called for more merciful solutions including spaying the dogs or providing them with a proper shelter.
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