$42,000 investment
Erbil to upgrade stray dog shelter following criticism
ERBIL — The Erbil Governorate has announced an investment of 55 million dinars (approximately $42,000) to upgrade the stray dogs’ shelter in Erbil, which currently houses about 4,000 dogs. The initiative pledges to enhance facilities with the construction of a new 400-meter asphalt road, 400 kennel units, and six large sheds, alongside establishing a concrete area for feeding stations and a water supply.
The improvements are set to be implemented under the guidance of municipal and environmental engineers, funded entirely by the governorate’s budget.
Hassan Ismail, the director of the shelter, told 964media, “We are continuously working to improve conditions here. Every night, our teams gather 40 to 50 stray dogs.” He also noted that the shelter provides more than 5 tons of food daily and conducts spaying and neutering surgeries to manage the population.
The shelter spans 50,000 square meters and has the capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 dogs. It plays a crucial role in managing the city’s stray dog population.
The shelter has faced criticism from animal rights organizations for the conditions in which the dogs are kept. Last year, activists protested outside the Erbil Governorate building, demanding better care. Farman Fadel, president of the Kurdistan Animal Protection Organization in Erbil, detailed instances of mistreatment at the shelter to 964media at the time: “The dogs’ ears are cut, they are beaten, and they receive poor treatment.
“There were days when five dogs died during neutering.”
The Erbil Parks Engineering Directorate initiated a tree-planting project at the shelter earlier this year, introducing over 2,000 trees.
Erbil authorities continue efforts to shelter stray dogs
A woman from Erbil cares for 140 stray dogs, each with a unique story
