Help is a Call Away

New reporting system aims to speed up animal welfare response

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture (Agriculture and Animal Resources Affairs) launched a dedicated hotline to enhance animal welfare reporting across Bahrain, aiming to improve response time for cases of abuse, neglect, and stray animals.

The initiative is designed to streamline public reporting and strengthen enforcement of animal protection regulations, while encouraging greater community participation in safeguarding animals and public safety.

Officials say public cooperation will play a key role in improving animal welfare outcomes and managing stray populations more effectively in residential areas.

Animal welfare advocates have long raised concerns about rising abandonment cases and limited shelter capacity. Volunteers working on the ground say they continue to handle increasing rescue cases, particularly involving small breeds, while calling for stronger structural support.

“This problem is not new, but it has been getting worse over the years,” said Fathiya Al Bastaki, founder of the Bahrain Strays initiative, noting that economic pressures and lack of facilities have intensified the challenge for volunteers.

Advocates have welcomed the hotline as a positive step but stress that long-term solutions, including shelters and medical support systems, remain essential to address the growing issue.