Bahrain Ministry issues tender to catch and neuter stray dogs

Manama : With an aim to solve the issue of stray dogs ruling the streets at various places in the Kingdom, especially at nights, authorities have issued tenders so that private veterinary clinics could provide neutering to dogs. The tender is for neutering as well as treatment of stray dogs in veterinary clinics. The Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning stated that it would follow the best international practices in tackling the stray issue. It added that the deadline for submission of applications for the tender is on 8 August. The ministry also said that adequate help would be sought from the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals (BSPCA) for the project. 

“The tender will then be closed to prepare for the next steps. It is worth noting that the neutering and treatment of these dogs will be supervised by the ministry in coordination with the BSPCA.” The ministry explained that it would continue to be involved in the project by monitoring the clinics. “The work of veterinary clinics regarding the neutering and treatment of stray dogs will be assessed to ensure best practices.”

Individuals will be able to bring dogs to veterinary clinics to be neutered free of charge, and all expenses related treatment and neutering will be borne to the ministry. The ministry confirmed that the project is subdivided into two; the second step after the collaboration with veterinary clinics will be the establishment of a permanent shelter for the dogs. However, no dates have been announced on when the shelter will be established, neither has a tender been issued for it. 

“Efforts will be channelled in two directions. The first one relates to trapping the dogs, neutering them and then releasing them. The second aspect is where efforts are concentrated is in the establishment of a special shelter which will be built following all technical specifications required to house the dogs,” the ministry stated. The ministry stated that all permits, licences required for establishment of this permanent shelter has already been obtained. A tender for the construction of the shelter will soon be issued.