Population surging in Iraq
Stray dogs in Al-Ghadeer village prompts calls for humane control measures
NAJAF — Residents of Al-Ghadeer village, north of Najaf, are concerned about the increasing number of stray dogs in the area. Villagers say the animals threaten children and teachers on their way to school and are calling for a solution.
Police have considered various measures, but the primary solution proposed involves killing the dogs. In response to citizen appeals for humane treatment, authorities plan to switch to poisoning the animals instead of shooting them.
Other cities, including Al-Zaafaraniya and Al-Doura in Baghdad, along with Kirkuk and Duhok, have adopted alternative approaches to address the issue. These include sedating the dogs and relocating them, or setting up sanctuaries outside the cities.
Maher Al-Aboudi, director of Najaf Health Media, said: “Pursuing stray dogs is the responsibility of the Veterinary Department and security forces, while our role is limited to providing the serum used to treat cases of dog bites.
“Our biggest concern is with rabid dogs, whose bites can be fatal. However, we haven’t recorded any deaths so far and have ensured the serum is available at centers across the governorate.”
In March, 126 people were bitten by dogs, including 83 males and 43 females.
In 2023, the area recorded 1,924 dog bite cases, with 1,266 of them being men and 658 women.”
Mufid Al-Tahir, director of media for Najaf police, said: “In the past, we dealt with stray dogs by shooting them. However, this procedure stopped after appeals from citizens to the relevant authorities, demanding more humane methods. We received orders to accompany Veterinary Department teams, who work on patrolling and euthanizing the dogs. We will intervene if they are attacked by the dogs.”
“We have also received appeals from the residents of Al-Ghadeer village after some teachers were attacked by stray dogs. There will be a campaign in the near future.”
In Koya, Mayor Mohamed Mirhaj has initiated the transfer of stray dogs to a specialized shelter in Erbil, addressing both safety and health concerns. According to Mirhaj, speaking to 964media, 50 dogs have already been moved, with plans to send over 500 more in future phases.
The Municipality of Sharazor in Sulaymaniyah is taking similar steps by treating captured stray dogs.
In Tuz Khurmatu, an investigation into stray dog poisoning was initiated after reports surfaced of veterinary officials using poisoned meat. A committee from the Salahaddin Veterinary Directorate verified whether euthanasia pills, a recommended but costly method, were used instead. Zina Haider, director of the local veterinary department, cited a lack of funds for not purchasing these pills, priced at 2,500 Iraqi dinars each.