'Compassion and care'

Stray dog roundup in Koya captures over 120 dogs in two days

ERBIL — More than 120 stray dogs were rounded up in Erbil’s Koya district over the past two days, through a volunteer-led campaign supervised by religious scholar Hashim Abdullah. The project is a collaboration between the city’s mayor, Koya University, and several local donors.

Abdullah explained to 964media that the effort is inspired by “compassion” and Islamic teachings. “According to Quranic teachings, all living beings have a right to life,” he said. “That is why we are gathering these dogs and relocating them to a more suitable place where they can live safely.”

The team’s supervisor emphasized that the roundup is conducted with “compassion and care,” ensuring that no harm comes to the animals. A reward of 5,000 dinars (approximately $3.33) is offered for each stray dog safely captured and handed over. The collected dogs are then transported to a shelter in Erbil.

“The team carries out the roundup without resorting to any form of violence against the dogs,” Abdullah added.

Comprising five members equipped with specialized gear, the team patrols the streets and neighborhoods of Koya, capturing stray dogs and transporting them in a dedicated vehicle to ensure their safety throughout the process.

In response to the growing stray population, the Erbil Municipality has intensified efforts to collect stray dogs across the city, focusing on areas where residents have reported issues. Mariwan Hakim Hadi, director general of Erbil municipalities, stated, “Our campaign to collect stray dogs is ongoing, but in recent days, we have launched a more intensive effort. Wherever necessary, we respond and remove the dogs from the area.”

Hadi further explained that between Sept. 27, 2023, and the end of 2024, 13,000 stray dogs were collected from within Erbil city, along with 785 from surrounding areas. The Erbil shelter spans 50,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 5,000 dogs.

The initiative follows several tragic incidents involving stray dogs. In October, a 10-year-old girl died from injuries sustained in an attack in Erbil’s Shamamk subdistrict. Earlier this month, a 10-year-old boy was killed in Kirkuk by a stray dog, prompting protests by locals. A proposal to cull stray dogs in Duhok has also sparked furore and intense debate.

In 2023, Erbil documented over 700 cases of dog bites, averaging about two incidents per day, according to data released by the Western Erbil Emergency Hospital.