Bahrain set to open new pet park with shelter for 5,000 stray dogs

TDT | Manama                                              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

A new pet park with a shelter that can accommodate more than 5,000 stray dogs will soon be opening in Askar. According to reports, the land has been designated, and preparations are being made for the project’s necessary budget.

The park will cover an area of 50,000 square meters and has play spaces with chairs and walkways. After being medically sterilized, stray canines from all across Bahrain will be housed in the park. This initiative is expected to address the issue of stray dogs in the country and provide them with a safe and comfortable environment to live in.

The Daily Tribune previously reported on numerous stray dog attacks as well as the unfortunate circumstances of dogs who are dying because they are not getting enough food and water amid hot weather.

Municipal authorities caught and sterilized 33 stray dogs in the Buhair area last year following multiple complaints regarding an alarming rise of aggressive stray dogs. Many citizens and residents have bombarded authorities with complaints and pleas on social media platforms saying that the stray dog menace is a major concern.

Meanwhile, Fathiya Al Bastaki, a prominent Bahraini animal lover and Bahrain Strays founder, told The Daily Tribune, “As per the reports, the park will have an area of 50,000 square meters, but I have raised questions about the size of the space since I believe there might not be enough room for 5,000 dogs.

Indeed, there are more than 10,000 dogs in the country. “Of course, they won’t be able to catch all the dogs, but the dogs would require a lot more space, not just a park. “Also, while the facilities would be fantastic, we must consider the stray dogs’ point of view because they have always been free to roam; they cannot tolerate being confined because it will cause stress and mayhem for them.”

She added, “I have been giving advice on what is good for stray dogs and what is not, and I believe the authorities should have an island just for these dogs so they can live freely.”