ANIMAL activists across Bahrain have called out once again for a comprehensive strategy to be introduced to relocate strays from residential areas following an alleged torture of a dog hounded by children in Hamala.
The mutt – which was later put to sleep on Sunday due to the extent of her injuries – was found by Bahrain Strays founder Fathiya Al Baskati. She believes the animal suffered horrific injuries after being attacked with screwdrivers or knives before having paint thrown over it.
“I immediately took the dog to Oka Veterinary Clinic because of the terrible situation she was in,” said Ms Al Bastaki. “The vet was stunned at the level of injuries and eventually had to euthanise her because she was suffering.
“Witnesses told me that they had earlier spotted boys stabbing the poor defenceless animal with screwdrivers and knives. The dog’s wounds had become infected and there was nothing the vet could do to save her.”
Experienced vet Dr Mohammed Abdullah told the GDN that the injuries made it extremely difficult even to withdraw blood for tests.
“The dog was admitted to our clinic in a moribund (at the point of death) state suffering from wounds all over her four limbs,” he added.
“The examination revealed severe dehydration, eye infections, yellow mucous membranes and swollen lymph-nodes, as well as three patches of hematoma on the chest and multiple wounds on each limb, oozing pus.
“Septicaemia – which is blood poisoning – was also detected so lab work was done and multiple organ failure was confirmed. We decided to euthanise her to end her pain.”
Laboratory results later confirmed renal failure, elevated WBCs (white blood cells) and hepatic failure (liver failure).
There have been several cases reported earlier this year of culled desert dogs whose carcasses were partially buried.
A pack of puppies were found dead and dumped in Askar and an online petition gathered thousands of signatures calling for an end to the inhumane treatment of strays.
The GDN previously reported that the soaring costs of relocating pets abroad has led to many more being dumped in the desert, further aggravating the stray animal crisis in the kingdom.
Northern Municipal Council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairwoman Zaina Jassim reaffirmed the rising need to go ahead with exporting dogs to ‘forever homes abroad’.
“I am against animal torture and the country must find the best solution for this recurring issue,” she told the GDN. “The main problem is that there is no ecological balance due to the large number of stray dogs and cats.
“We have previously submitted a proposal – which was approved by the minister – to export these animals in co-operation with other countries. There is no better solution, in my opinion.”
The GDN reported in May last year that the government approved plans to export stray dogs submitted by her.
According to Ms Jassim, the current mechanism of catching and neutering dogs was not enough to tackle the strays issue and there was a growing need for alternative solutions.
reem@gdnmedia.bh
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