Kirkuk residents call for removal of stray dogs from residential areas. (Photo: 964media)
'Remove stray dogs from the city'
Activists demand action on stray dogs following attack on child in Kirkuk
KIRKUK — A group of local residents and teachers staged a protest on Monday in front of the Kirkuk District Administration office, calling for action against the issue of stray dogs that “pose a threat” to safety. The protest comes after a 10-year-old child died recently from a dog attack.
Activist Jihan Dar told 964media, “We are protesting because of the presence of stray dogs in residential areas, especially at night.”
An elementary school student was killed after being attacked by a pack of dogs last week on his way to school.
The boy, identified as Aland Ayman Ramzi was rushed to the emergency department at Azadi Hospital in critical condition. According to medical reports, he had sustained multiple bites to his face, thigh, and body.
“We demand that the Kirkuk administration address this issue by providing shelter for these animals to eliminate the threat to citizens,” he added.
Teacher Mohammad Jalil emphasized the urgency of the situation, “Our message to the district administrator and all officials in Kirkuk is to remove stray dogs from the city and relocate them to remote areas.”
A source at the Kirkuk Health Directorate told 964media that since the start of 2024, stray dogs in Kirkuk attacked 19 people, resulting in the deaths of eight children, including the recent incident.
Teacher Hiwa Hassan stated, “Today we gathered in front of the district administration to deliver a message to the Kirkuk District Administration, urging them to address the issue of stray dogs in the streets and neighborhoods and to resolve the problem swiftly.”
In response, Kirkuk District Administrator Fallah Yayjli told 964media, “Today, we formed a committee in coordination with the provincial administration to address the issue of stray dogs and remove them from residential areas.”