The authorities are looking to help tackle the stray dog crisis by cracking down on back street breeding and the importation of puppies.
Muharraq Municipal Council unanimously approved new restrictions yesterday aimed at curtailing the practices, as cute creatures grow up to be time-consuming and expensive pets.
The decision follows mounting frustration among councillors over what they describe as ‘worsening conditions on the ground’ despite the government’s annual spending of more than BD200,000 on capturing and sheltering stray animals.
Council members say the new rules are designed to stem the inflow of imported puppies, tighten breeding and ownership regulations, and ensure better accountability for pet care – all in a bid to prevent more animals from ending up on the streets.
Council services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulqader Al Sayed warned that without limits, private breeding and imports of breeds not suitable for hot climates would only make matters worse.
“Rules need to be placed on the numbers of puppies being imported,” said Mr Al Sayed. “This isn’t about restricting people’s love for animals – it’s about protecting communities from the fallout of neglect.”
Animal charities urged families to understand that ‘dogs are for life’ and that the cute canine for sale can often be from a puppy farm, either at home or abroad, leading to abnormalities in popular breeds and expensive veterinary bills to come.
Also the transient nature of expatriate life in the kingdom has witnessed many family pets, even small breeds, being abandoned in the desert and streets when families move on or return to the homeland.
Under the approved proposal, the council will work with the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry to review Bahrain’s pet import and ownership systems. This includes setting clear limits on the number of animals individuals can bring into the country, ensuring follow-up checks on imported pets and tightening penalties for abandonment.
Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud, who drafted the motion, believes Bahrain’s current approach to managing stray dogs is not working.
“We are spending more than BD200,000 every year, yet the problem continues to grow,” said Mr Al Oud. “This clearly shows that our existing measures are ineffective. We need smarter use of resources, tighter regulation and, most importantly, shared responsibility between the authorities and members of the public.”
Mr Al Oud explained that the committee’s review revealed deep inefficiencies in the current management system. Despite years of funding, villagers continue to report dog packs roaming around neighbourhoods, attacking people and even causing traffic accidents.
“The spread of stray dogs has become not only a nuisance but a real safety issue,” he said. “We’ve heard from parents afraid to let their children walk alone and from drivers who’ve had close calls because of animals running into roads. This situation cannot continue unchecked.”
The approved measures are part of a broader push to create a more sustainable animal control strategy – one that combines regulation with education. The council also urged closer collaboration with animal welfare groups to raise public awareness about responsible pet ownership and humane care.
“This is not just a government issue – it’s a community issue,” Mr Al Oud emphasised. “Abandonment is one of the biggest contributors to the stray population. People must understand that owning a pet is a lifelong commitment, not a temporary hobby.”
Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar praised the unanimous decision, calling it a necessary shift in priorities after years of limited progress.
“This is a serious issue that has affected Muharraq for far too long,” said Mr Al Naar. “We cannot keep spending public money without seeing results. The council’s decision reflects our determination to take real, measurable action – for the safety of residents and the welfare of animals.”
With the new measures approved, the council will now co-ordinate with relevant authorities to finalise the regulations and begin implementation.
Mr Al Naar said the council’s ultimate goal is balance – ensuring humane treatment for animals while keeping neighbourhoods safe and clean.
“We want to see a Bahrain where both people and animals can coexist safely,” he said. “That means clearer rules, stronger enforcement and a community that understands its shared responsibility.”
Animal charities will also be supportive, hoping pet lovers will choose a neutered, sweet natured resident from their sanctuaries with facilities full of dogs in need of ‘fur-ever homes’.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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