A total of 150 cats are set to be neutered as part of a community-led initiative aimed at helping to manage Bahrain’s stray animal population.
The trap, neuter, release (TNR) surgery campaign, launched by the Advanced Veterinary Clinic in Bilad Al Qadeem, has been widely praised by animal welfare activists, who are urging other clinics across the island to initiate similar efforts.
The campaign initially began with 50 surgeries. However, due to overwhelming demand and strong community support, the initiative has expanded to include an additional 100 cats.
TNR is a programme by which feral cats and dogs are trapped, spayed (for females) or neutered (for males), and then released back into the environment.
Explaining the motivation behind the initiative, clinic owner, Dr Ahmed Azeim told the GDN the scale of stray suffering he has seen daily prompted action.
“We realised that treating animals individually was not enough to address the root problem,” he said.
“We wanted to implement a proactive, community-driven solution that would manage the stray population while improving the quality of life for those already on the street.”
Dr Azeim stressed that neutering remains the most humane and effective method of population control.
Dr Azeim
“It significantly reduces the risk of certain cancers, including mammary and testicular tumours, and prevents life-threatening uterine infections,” he said.
He called on other veterinary clinics to play a more active role in community welfare by launching similar campaigns.
“Veterinary clinics are more than just businesses,” Dr Azeim said. “We are pillars of public health and animal welfare. While these initiatives require additional resources, the long-term benefits to the community are invaluable.”
Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals chairman Mahmood Faraj echoed these sentiments, calling on veterinary clinics to play a greater role in addressing the issue.
Mr Faraj
“If every clinic carried out just three to five neutering surgeries a month, it would make a significant difference in curbing the kingdom’s stray population,” he said, adding that widespread participation from clinics across the country would have a meaningful impact.
“Any number of surgeries they can offer free of charge would be fantastic.”
Filipino expatriate Christine Morgate-Gallardo, widely known as the ‘cat mother of Bahrain’, welcomed the initiative and said she was pleased to see the campaign launched.
Over the past five years, the 29-year-old has personally spayed and neutered around 1,250 cats through her own TNR programme.
She relies largely on personal funds alongside donations to sustain her work, efforts she believes have played a significant role in reducing strays.
“At the moment, much of the responsibility falls on animal shelters and individuals,” Ms Morgate-Gallardo, who has lived in Bahrain for nine years said. “Veterinary clinics also benefit from helping animals, so I believe they should contribute more to solving the problem.”
Ms Morgate-Gallardo described the work as emotionally and financially demanding, noting that her efforts extend beyond neutering.
“I also rescue sick and injured animals who urgently need treatment. It becomes very expensive,” she said.
Ms Morgate-Gallardo also called for greater compassion toward animals. “People should simply be kinder,” she stressed. “If you’re unable to help, at the very least treat animals with respect. They don’t deserve cruelty.”
As a lifelong cat lover, she carries out her rescue work during her free time alongside her husband, who helps by driving her across the island to respond to rescue calls.
Looking ahead, she revealed that she has temporarily paused her activities due to pregnancy but plans to resume her work once she gives birth later this month and has recovered.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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