A PETITION demanding an end to the inhumane treatment of stray dogs in Bahrain has received more than 90 per cent of its target of 2,500 signatures.
Animal activist Colleen Hegarty has launched a change.org petition highlighting the alleged targeted shooting of desert dogs in Bahrain with their lifeless remains dumped in Askar.
In her letter to the authorities, she appeals for seven things:
• Strict action against those who harm animals
• A shelter for strays
• Further financial support for the CNR programme
• Volunteer support
• A ban on breeding for profit
• The activation of animal cruelty legislation
• And, the microchipping of all pets.
The GDN highlighted the controversy earlier this month. Top animal activists, including Animal and Environment Protection Charity Organisation president Shaikha Marwa bint Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Bahrain Strays founder Fathiya Al Bastaki and Bahrain Dumped Dogs founder Cheryl Nielson pleaded that the canines be treated more humanely, and also demanded that those responsible for shooting the animals be held accountable.
“Some of the victims were participants in the Bahraini government-funded CNR (catch-neuter-release) programme and had been neutered – they were very friendly dogs who caused no harm to anyone,” claimed Ms Hegarty.
A Harvard University Scholar, Ms Hegarty also revealed in her petition that veterinarians who performed X-rays and necropsies on the deceased dogs confirmed gunshot wounds as the cause of death.
Ms Hegarty
She urged the authorities to take immediate action to put an end to the mass killing, highlighting that the ‘barbaric and cowardly act’ will tarnish the reputation of Bahrain.
“We appeal to the government to take a stringent and comprehensive approach to tackle the issue of strays in a humane and civilised way by taking strict action against anyone who harms or kills the strays by shooting, poisoning or beating (or any other means),” she added.
“We call for allocating land to set up a sanctuary for the strays where volunteers will monitor and assist in running the sanctuary and continued financial support for the CNR programme.
“We also seek the government to work closely with volunteers on the ground who have been a great asset in assisting the government’s CNR programme.
“There should be ban – with strict enforcement – on the importation of animals for commercial purposes and the breeding and selling of animals in Bahrain.
“We urge GCC and Bahrain’s legislation on animal protection against cruelty to be activated.
“Finally, we call for mandating the microchipping of every owned dog and cat, the spaying / neutering of every owned dog and cat over six months old and imposing a hefty fine on pet owners who fail to do so.”
The subject of strays has long been a thorny issue in the kingdom with villagers complaining about being attacked by packs, particularly in the summer months when the animals come looking for food, water and shade in residential areas.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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