A fresh investigation into Bahrain’s growing ‘stray dogs’ problem could soon be launched, following calls from Muharraq Municipal Council members who revealed that the government spends more than BD200,000 annually on hunting, sheltering and managing stray mutts.
Councillors are concerned, despite good intentions, the efforts may be barking up the wrong tree with ‘little visible improvement on the ground’ when it comes to tackling the desert dogs dilemma.
The financial, administrative and legal committee of the Muharraq Municipal Council has put forward a recommendation to examine existing laws and procedures regulating animal import, ownership and control, amid concerns that current measures have failed to contain the spread of stray dogs across the governorate’s streets and neighbourhoods.
The issue will be reviewed during the council’s meeting tomorrow.
Committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud, who spearheaded the proposal, said the council’s findings show that the current system for managing stray animals is ‘ineffective and financially draining’, urging a comprehensive review of all related regulations and actions.
“We are spending more than BD200,000 every year, yet the problem continues to grow,” said Mr Al Oud.
“This clearly indicates that our current procedures are not delivering the expected results. We must identify where the shortcomings lie and ensure that public funds are used more efficiently.”
In its report, the committee warned that the increasing number of stray dogs in streets and residential areas poses a ‘direct danger’ to residents, particularly children and the elderly.
It added that the animals’ presence contributes to public health risks, including the potential transmission of diseases and parasites, as well as creating a ‘visual distortion’ in public spaces and neighbourhoods.
“The spread of stray animals has become not only a nuisance but also a threat to public safety and hygiene,” Mr Al Oud stressed.
“We’ve received numerous complaints from residents who fear for their children’s safety, and in some cases, stray dogs have also caused traffic accidents running into the roads.”
The committee expressed concern over annual expenditure of BD209,000 by the relevant ministry, suggesting that the funds had not achieved tangible results.
The ongoing costs, it said, highlighted weaknesses in the current stray dog management approach.
“We are not questioning the efforts being made,” said Mr Al Oud. “However, we must question their effectiveness. If we continue spending such large sums without a noticeable reduction in the number of strays, then something is clearly wrong in the process – either in regulation, implementation or follow-up.”
The committee’s proposal calls for an in-depth review of three key areas:
1. Import Regulations – Assessing the current requirements for importing dogs and cats into Bahrain, and updating them to prevent the abandonment of pets soon after their entry.
2. Post-Import Monitoring – Strengthening regulations and follow-up mechanisms to ensure imported pets are properly cared for and not released into the streets.
3. Spending Oversight – Examining how the BD209,000 in annual expenditures is allocated, and identifying any inefficiencies or loopholes that may be contributing to the continued rise in stray animals.
The committee believes that addressing these regulatory gaps could ‘gradually reduce the phenomenon’, ease the financial burden on the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, and improve the urban landscape across cities and residential districts.
Mr Al Oud emphasised that any solution must go beyond temporary or reactive measures.
“We need a sustainable plan that combines regulation, public awareness and co-ordination between authorities,” he said.
“Citizens must also play their part by being responsible pet owners. Abandonment is a major factor in this crisis.”
The committee also suggested that future programmes should include community awareness campaigns, partnerships with animal welfare organisations, and possibly stricter penalties for those who abandon their pets.
“This is not just a government issue – it’s a community issue,” added Mr Al Oud. “If everyone works together, we can make our neighbourhoods safer and cleaner while treating animals humanely.”
Mr Al Oud said should the proposal be approved, it could pave the way for a full-scale review and reform of Bahrain’s stray animal control system, with the goal of ensuring both public safety and better animal welfare outcomes.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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