Public health and safety first

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Packs of stray dogs roaming neighbourhoods have triggered new concern in Muharraq, with councillors set to demand firmer action on Monday.

Council member Fadhil Al Oud said the animals’ spread in streets and housing areas is causing a nuisance and a direct risk to residents, spoiling the look of districts and adding to animal waste.

He warned of disease and parasites, a higher chance of minor accidents for drivers and pedestrians, and rising fear among children and older people in some spots.

“The spread of these animals has become a direct concern for residents,” he said. “Fixing gaps in the system would be a basic step towards bringing the numbers down.”

He said current steps have fallen short despite an annual spend of about BD209,000 on trapping, shelter and care.

The councilor called for a close review of the rules for importing dogs and cats, stronger follow-up once animals enter the Kingdom, and a clear account of how the yearly sum is used.

In parallel, Black Gold Equipment Hiring has lodged the lone bid, BD209,500, for a Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture tender to run stray-dog trapping.

Tender papers set a full service across the four governorates, Capital, Muharraq, Northern and Southern, from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027, with teams responding to routine and emergency call-outs.

Rehoming The plan goes beyond catching. It covers housing and rehoming, and applies across residential, shop and factory zones as well as open public ground. Any provider must follow the Animal Welfare Law No. 52 of 2014 to keep people safe and treat animals humanely.