Poisoned feed used

Stray dog elimination campaign resumes in Tuz Khurmatu despite concerns

2024-01-23 | 16:35

TUZ KHURMATU, January 23 — Veterinary, municipal, and police teams have recommenced a campaign to eliminate stray dogs in neighborhoods across Tuz Khurmatu using poisoned feed.

Zena Haider, director of the veterinary department in Tuz Khurmatu, confirmed to 964media, “The objective of the campaign is to eliminate stray dogs.”

Officials said the campaign was an attempt to prevent the spread of disease among local citizens. However, some residents and animal rights advocates fear that poisoned meat left behind may affect children, potentially contributing to the spread of viruses and diseases.

In response to these concerns, Maari Rashid, the mayor of the district, asserted, “We will ensure that the teams responsible for [the campaign] do not leave anything behind. Once their duties are fulfilled, the dogs will be disposed of outside the district.”

In addition to the ongoing campaign, the veterinary department of Tuz Khurmatu has sought assistance from Baghdad municipality to establish a shelter for stray dogs in the region. They say their requests have gone unanswered.

According to data obtained by 964media, over 200 stray dogs have been poisoned in Tuz Khurmatu district in the past month alone. Authorities indicate that a previous estimate of 500 stray dogs in the area has now doubled to over 1,000 animals.