More than 500 animals were adopted in Bahrain last year through special adoption events and the ongoing efforts of an organisation dedicated to promoting animal welfare.
The Dogs Care Society (DCS) based in Budaiya, in collaboration with Bahrain World for Animals, successfully placed 258 dogs, 175 cats, and 85 birds and poultry into safe, loving furr-ever homes.
In addition, the group has secured temporary foster homes for 180 dogs and 143 cats.
To mark the start of the New Year, DCS will organise a Pet Adoption Festival on Friday, running from 3pm to 8pm at Bahrain World for Animals in Budaiya.
The event aims to encourage pet owners to responsibly rehome their animals, rather than dumping them on the street.
“Our goal is not only to increase the number of adoptions, but to ensure that they are placed with loving families who are ready to care for them for the rest of their lives,” DCS Horizons Shelter supervisor Yusuf Ahmed told the GDN.
“Too often, they are adopted for the wrong reasons, only to be abandoned once the initial excitement fades.”
To prevent this, Mr Ahmed explained that a strict adoption process has been implemented to ensure pets are placed in responsible homes.
“Adopters are educated about the long-term commitment involved in caring for an animal, including the financial responsibilities, allowing them to make informed decisions,” he said.
Once someone decides to adopt, the person must sign a document stating that they will provide the fur baby with the highest quality of care possible and keep it in good health.
In addition, a new microchip is also installed, registered to the new owner, so if it is found abandoned, or goes missing, the veterinarian or society can trace it back to the owner.
“We also remain in contact with adopters and request regular updates to ensure it is doing well in its new home,” he said, noting the pet can be returned to the shelter if owners are unable to continue caring for it.
“Through this process, 518 animals were adopted in Bahrain last year.”
He noted that adoption events were introduced to raise community awareness, as public understanding of animal welfare remains a significant challenge in Bahrain’s stray crisis.
“Unfortunately, many people still do not prioritise their welfare, and we are working to change that through community events and by welcoming children to the shelter so they can build positive relationships with animals,” he said.
Mr Ahmed encouraged the public to attend the January 16 adoption festival to meet fur babies in need and help find them find suitable new homes.
However, he explained that safeguards had to be introduced after early events were taken advantage of, with some people abandoning animals at the venue.
“As a result, a fee of BD2 was introduced, and all animals are now examined by a veterinarian before being admitted to ensure they are healthy. An additional small fee is charged for microchipping,” he said.
“These measures help prevent people from misusing the event.”
Last year’s events attracted nearly 4,800 visitors.
Other events are planned for January 30, February 13, April 3, April 24 and May 1.
Established in 2016, the society aims to teach people in Bahrain about the importance of animal welfare through social events. They aim to continue holding festivals to educate the public about animal welfare.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))