Residents start shooting at stray dogs as reports of animal attacks continue in Bahrain
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Reported by Zahra Ayaz
With reports of attacks by stray dogs on residents making news across Bahrain, some members of the public are allegedly resorting to shooting and killing stray dogs, suspected to be using modified air rifles, and stuffing them into garbage bags.
This alarming situation has sparked outrage among local activists and animal welfare advocates, striving to end these cruel acts. They argue that such incidents tarnish the Kingdom’s reputation as a beacon of tolerance and coexistence and call for extending this spirit of compassion to stray dogs.
Salman Farooq Ahmed, an animal rescuer, shed light on the details, stating, “People are using guns to shoot dogs, aiming for their chests or heads as if they were snipers. Some perpetrators shoot the dogs multiple times, prolonging their suffering until death.”
Ahmed further highlighted that while some dogs survive non-vital shots, they continue to live with the wounds inflicted upon them, enduring pain until their eventual demise from natural causes or the side effects of the shootings.
Distressed by the lack of action taken by the authorities to address these shootings, Ahmed said he personally intervenes by rescuing injured dogs that are on the brink of death, taking them to veterinary clinics, and providing them with care. He says, “Since 2018, and possibly even earlier, we have been grappling with the challenge of addressing these shootings.”
“One potential solution is to issue public statements that serve as a deterrent to potential shooters. Additionally, authorities must take visible action in public and keep the public informed to instill confidence in the rescue teams’ efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face legal consequences in court,” he added.
Dismay
In response to the ongoing crisis, animal rescuer Vanja Hathcock expressed her dismay, stating, “The government’s inaction on this matter stems from their reluctance to assume responsibility, as the majority of people in Bahrain harbour a dislike for dogs.” Hathcock further revealed that the shootings are perpetrated discreetly by individuals, police officers, and residents of Asker, as alternative methods of getting rid of stray dogs are limited.
She lamented the lack of empathy towards these innocent animals, emphasising that the issue is being widely overlooked. Animal activists say urgent and decisive action is needed to put an end to the shooting and disposal of stray dogs, safeguard their welfare, and restore Bahrain’s standing as a compassionate society.
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