Bahraini animal activist urges increased funding for animal rescue
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Reported by Julia Cassano
A renowned animal activist in Bahrain is urging increased support and funding for animal rescue organisations after the Askar pet park project was put on hold indefinitely. The project was put on hold by MPs, who cited the BD5.45 million price tag to develop the facility, deeming it too expensive.
Originally planned to span 40,000 square metres, the pet park was intended to include green open spaces, with an estimated 15,000 square metres set aside for housing 5,000 dogs.
Bahrain Strays founder Fathiya Al Bastaki expressed her dismay at the news and conveyed that if the pet park is unfeasible to build and maintain, there are alternative ways the government can support animal shelters.
"The government needs to take action," Fathiya said. The animal lover stressed that the first step is to address the ongoing problem of breeding in Bahrain. "Breeders have been abandoning breeds like Shih Tzus, German Shepards, and Huskies for the past three months, but we lack the funds to properly care for these animals."
Although Fathiya has saved 25 dogs over the past three months, she questioned the availability of sufficient funds to support her and other animal activists in the kingdom. "I am doing my part, but at what cost?" she asked.
"Breeders should not be permitted to trade animals, and selfish owners who remorselessly abandon their pets on the streets should face serious consequences," she suggested.
She pointed out the lack of effective communication and coordination between animal activists and the government, which worsens the situation. Fathiya criticises the practise of routinely dumping abandoned animals in Askar, as it lacks humane intent and leaves these animals without access to food or water.
"The problem is that these animals are removed from residential areas due to complaints. But animal lovers often feed these animals in the residential areas, so when they are taken to Askar, the homeless animals do not have access to food or water."
She called on the municipalities to provide funding and support to Bahrain Strays and other organisations, as it is unfair for animal activists to shoulder the entire burden of tackling the stray dog problem.
She suggested that the government establish its own shelter to alleviate the strain caused by the large number of animals in each shelter throughout the Kingdom. Additionally, she highlighted the high costs of clinics, which have resulted in substantial debts for many members of Bahrain Strays and other rescue centres after rescuing injured or sick animals. "Members cannot settle costly bills after rescuing an injured or sick animal, as there are simply too many," she stressed.
"It should not be left up to the public to donate; authorities must step in to assist Bahrain’s street animals." Fathiya stressed that public donations should not be the only source of support. "Authorities must step in to assist Bahrain’s street animals."
Animal advocates are pleading with authorities to intervene in the stray animal population, emphasising that it is not solely the responsibility of animal lovers or the general public.
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