Animal activists protest stray dog killings in Iraqi Kurdistan

ERBIL,— Animal rights advocates in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region are calling for an immediate end to the killing of stray dogs in Kirkuk and Duhok provinces, urging authorities to adopt humane and scientific approaches to address the issue.

Protesters from various animal welfare organizations gathered on Thursday outside the United Nations office in Erbil to demand a halt to the practice. They condemned recent actions taken against stray dogs in the Kurdish region, including shootings in Kirkuk and the issuance of a fatwa in Duhok permitting culling.

The protest follows a series of incidents in Kirkuk, where local authorities killed a large number of stray dogs after a young boy was fatally attacked by one.

But reports say that a boy, along with his friends, went to a rural area where dogs live and threw stones at them. This behavior is part of a disturbing trend among some Kurdish kids, who find enjoyment in hurting dogs and other animals.

Experts explain that “dogs don’t attack or harm humans unless they are first attacked. They only defend themselves when threatened.”

In Duhok, an Islamic fatwa issued by Muslim preachers permitting the killing of stray dogs has intensified public outrage and heightened concerns among animal rights advocates.

Protesters have urged officials to consider alternative strategies for managing the stray dog population. Scientific methods such as spaying, neutering, and vaccination programs are being promoted as effective, humane solutions that do not involve killing.

They emphasized the need for sustainable programs to address the issue while ensuring both public safety and animal welfare.

Stray street dogs in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan — A Kurdish animal rights activist feeds stray dogs with meat and bones on the streets of Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, February 2022. Photo: Rudaw

Animal welfare organizations have long criticized the treatment of stray animals in Iraqi Kurdistan, describing it as cruel and counterproductive.

Activists in Erbil have expressed dissatisfaction with local authorities, claiming the methods used to handle stray dogs are inappropriate and fail to address the root causes of the problem.

In 2023, public outrage erupted after a stray dog was brutally beheaded by a man in Erbil following advice from a sorcerer.

The incident not only shocked animal rights activists but also highlighted the persistent issue of religious witchcraft practices in the region, drawing attention to deep-seated cultural challenges that intersect with animal welfare concerns.

Some have referred to Kurdistan as a “hell for stray dogs” due to the widespread killing and lack of proper care for the animals. However, many residents in the region have made significant efforts to feed and care for strays, demonstrating compassion and a commitment to improving the animals’ welfare.

(With files from K24)