Tributes to ‘saviour of dogs’

Manama : Rich tributes were paid to Tony Waters, a well-known animal welfare activist, who passed away on Friday after a long battle with cancer.

Fondly called the ‘Dogfather’, Tony was the saviour of stray animals in Bahrain. He has been running the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Saar for the rescue and rehabilitation of abused, neglected and abandoned animals.

The creation, development and success of the centre stand as a testament to his selfless love and devotion to the animal community and was his greatest motivation to fight cancer until the bitter end.

Tony used to visit schools of Bahrain – both local and international schools – as part of an animal awareness programme run by him. He visited 5 schools a year to raise awareness on the care and welfare of animals. 

The Bahrain Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) expressed condolences on the death of the “Dogfather”. “A pillar of the expatriate community in Bahrain, Tony dedicated much of his life to the care of animals that had no one else to turn to. May his endless compassion be an example to us all,” BSPCA Executive Committee said in a statement.

“Our thoughts also go out to the many animals under Tony’s erstwhile care that is in desperate need of continued love and attention. While the Cat Society of Bahrain and Tony’s many friends and supporters will do their best for them, in the long run, the animals need permanent, loving homes. We hope that people will open their hearts to find a place for them in their own homes in memory of Tony and all that he did. May his soul rest in peace,” the Animal Welfare Centre said.

“Tony did Bahrain a great service for many years and will be truly missed by all his friends and supporters. His only thought was to save an animal wherever possible and there are many rescues out there to thank him for that. He followed his heart to the end,” BSPCA member Claire Cunningham said in a tribute on Facebook.

“We would like to thank all the generous donors, volunteers and all those who have personally helped him since he was first diagnosed with cancer. As per Tony’s wishes, the Center will continue to carry on his legacy and dreams under careful guidance,’’ his children Ben, Sarah and Yaqoob (Waters) said in a statement. “It is more important than ever that our donors and volunteers remain steadfast and strong in the wake of Tony’s death and continue to support the centre,” the statement added.