A popular race celebrating the kingdom’s coolest canine has been cancelled following reports of Salukis and other purebred Arabian dogs being dumped on the streets.
Animal activists praised the government’s move, stating that it’s a step in the right direction for addressing Bahrain’s stray dog problem.
The Bahrain Inherited Traditional Sports Committee (Mawrooth) issued a statement yesterday saying that the competition involving Salukis has been cancelled indefinitely.
“All Arabian Saluki contests and events which are being held during Nasser Bin Hamad’s Falconry and Hunting season are cancelled until further notice,” it read.
“Some owners and breeders of the Arabian Salukis have clearly neglected them, releasing them onto the streets, contributing to the kingdom’s stray dog problem.
“The relevant authorities are making great efforts to resolve this matter,” it added.
National Initiative for Animal Welfare founder Musab Al Shaikh said the decision is a ‘good one’ and a step in the right direction to reducing the number of strays on the streets.
Mr Al Shaikh
“The move represents the goodness of humanity and it holds breeders and those abusing the dogs accountable for their actions,” he told the GDN.
“This is a very responsible decision from the committee, and they demonstrated that the well-being of the dogs and community is more important than making the competition successful,” he added.
He also hopes that competitors in future take better care of the dogs.
“In Islam, we must respect all of the souls, living animals and environment,” Mr Al Shaikh said, adding that the move should encourage more solutions to be put forward to help the struggling dogs.
“Microchipping, issuing passports and ownership status should all be addressed.”
The GDN has highlighted numerous incidents of issues involving strays causing concern and alarm in village communities, as well as being ill-treated and killed by vigilantes.
A senior official from the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry told Southern Municipal Council members last year that around 4,000 dogs have been captured and more than 2,000 neutered since 2017.
The GDN also reported about a proposal to have animals microchipped and registered by Bahrain’s authorities.
This is following the Southern Municipal Council approving a Dangerous Animals’ Possession draft law, which has been drawn up by former MPs and referred for review by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak.
Under it, dogs could be classified as ‘dangerous animals’ as some legislators want a ‘man’s best friend’ to be placed in the same category as tigers, lions, alligators and other wild beasts.
Individuals could be jailed for life and fined up to BD30,000 for illegally keeping an unregistered ‘dangerous animal’.
Mawrooth held the 1,500-metre-long Arabian Nativity race in February at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Zallaq.
It aimed to showcase the strength and beauty of the Saluki and highlight the breed’s historical significance to Bahrain and the region.
Mawrooth is one of the most prestigious traditional events in the country, featuring sports dedicated to falcons, camels and horses.
The dogs can reach speeds of up to 75kmph and historically, the ancestors of today’s breed were the hunting partners of nomadic tribes. Their typical quarry included the gazelle and hare.
Historically, Salukis were used by nomadic tribes for hunting. Today, they are much prized for their style, grace and show abilities.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))