In recent weeks, OIPA has received a large number of photographs, videos, eyewitness testimonies and other reports allegedly documenting the poisoning, killing and mistreatment of stray dogs. Further information concerns animals being forcibly removed from the areas where they live and transported to remote desert locations, where they were reportedly abandoned without water, food, shelter or veterinary assistance.

Some of the animals were allegedly found suffering from severe dehydration, exhaustion, injuries and prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.

Particular concern has been raised over the situation reported in Alexandria, where hundreds of stray dogs were allegedly captured, loaded onto vehicles during the intense summer heat and transported to isolated areas. Additional reports have emerged from other locations, including Ras El Bar, where a significant number of dogs living within a residential compound were reportedly poisoned.

A selection of the extensive photographic and audiovisual material received was attached to OIPA’s formal communication. The organisation has urged the Egyptian authorities to examine the evidence and open prompt, impartial and transparent investigations into the reported incidents.

The purpose of the letter is to call for immediate action to prevent further suffering and to ensure that all operations involving stray animals are conducted in full compliance with humane, scientific and veterinary standards.

The reports and images received have caused deep shock among animal-protection organisations, advocates and members of the public, both within Egypt and internationally. OIPA is discussing the situation with its international network, partner organisations and relevant international bodies, which are following developments with growing concern.

At the same time, OIPA has acknowledged and welcomed the recent measures announced by the Egyptian authorities for the management of stray-animal populations in accordance with veterinary standards, the One Health framework and internationally recognised animal-health principles.

The announced approach gives priority to sterilisation, vaccination, veterinary care and coordinated population-management programmes as alternatives to poisoning, indiscriminate killing and unregulated removal.

These commitments represent an important and encouraging step. Their credibility and effectiveness, however, will depend on their full, transparent and consistent implementation across all governorates and municipalities.

The continuing reports received from the ground appear to indicate a serious gap between the measures officially announced and the practices allegedly still taking place at local level.

Abandoning dogs in desert areas cannot be regarded as a humane method of population management. Leaving animals in remote locations without water, food, shelter or veterinary assistance exposes them to prolonged suffering and death from dehydration, starvation, injuries and extreme temperatures.

Similarly, poisoning and indiscriminate killing do not offer an effective or sustainable response to stray-dog populations or to the prevention of rabies. Long-term solutions must instead be based on coordinated sterilisation and vaccination programmes, veterinary care, public education and cooperation with organisations operating on the ground.

Through its formal letter, OIPA called on the Egyptian authorities to:

• immediately suspend any operation involving poisoning, indiscriminate killing, cruel capture, abandonment in desert areas or relocation without appropriate veterinary supervision;
• urgently identify and rescue dogs reportedly transported to or abandoned in remote locations;
• open impartial and transparent investigations into the reported incidents, particularly those concerning Alexandria;
• ensure that all stray-animal management operations are officially authorised, properly supervised and fully consistent with the announced national strategy;
• publish transparent and verifiable information on the measures adopted and cooperate effectively with Egyptian animal-welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and qualified international organisations.

“The commitments announced by the Egyptian authorities must now be translated into concrete, transparent and verifiable action,” OIPA stated. “The reports received are too serious and numerous to be ignored. Stray-animal management must be based on sterilisation, vaccination, veterinary care and cooperation with organisations working on the ground.”

OIPA will continue to monitor the situation, collect and assess the supporting documentation received and keep its international partners and the relevant international bodies informed of further developments.

The organisation calls on the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt to recognise the urgency of the matter and take all necessary steps to ensure that the reported practices are immediately stopped, properly investigated and not repeated.

READ OIPA’S FULL LETTER TO THE EGYPTIAN AUTHORITIES

L'articolo Stray Dogs in Egypt: OIPA ETS Calls for Immediate Action to Stop Poisoning, Killing and Abandonme proviene da OIPA.

Women, young people, pet owners, local residents, community leaders and representatives of public institutions came together to discuss how every citizen can contribute to protecting animals and creating safer and healthier communities.

The event showed that animal welfare is not only about protecting animals from suffering. It is closely connected to public health, community safety and environmental well-being.

One community, one shared responsibility

Throughout the engagement, participants explored the relationship between human, animal and environmental health through the One Health approach.

Communities are often the first to notice animals in need, possible cases of disease or dangerous situations involving free-roaming dogs. For this reason, their involvement is essential to prevent cruelty, reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases and promote peaceful coexistence between people and animals.

The initiative encouraged participants to see themselves not simply as pet owners or residents, but as active contributors to animal protection and public health.

Working towards a rabies-free Liberia

A central part of the event focused on Liberia’s commitment to the global Zero by 2030 initiative, which aims to eliminate human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

The technical session was delivered by Mr Abass Biaty, Lofa County Agriculture Coordinator at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr Biaty explained that rabies remains preventable, but eliminating it requires coordinated and sustained action. He highlighted the importance of vaccinating dogs on a large scale, reporting animal bites promptly, strengthening community surveillance and improving cooperation among government institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.

The discussion helped participants understand that vaccinating and protecting dogs is also one of the most effective ways to protect human lives.

Responsible ownership begins with daily care

During the session facilitated by Mr Prince Korlubah, participants reflected on what it truly means to be a responsible pet owner.

Caring for an animal means much more than simply keeping it at home. It requires providing proper food, clean water, adequate shelter, vaccination, veterinary assistance and humane treatment.

The discussion also addressed the importance of identifying pets and preventing them from roaming freely, both to protect the animals themselves and to reduce the risk of accidents, conflicts and disease transmission.

Participants were encouraged to share this knowledge with their families and neighbours and to become positive examples within their communities.

Animals deserve protection from cruelty and neglect

The final session, facilitated by Mr Bryant McGill, placed animal welfare at the centre of the discussion.

Participants explored the importance of preventing cruelty, abandonment, abuse and neglect and of recognising animals as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, fear and distress.

The session also showed that protecting animals has wider benefits. Communities in which animals are treated humanely are generally safer, healthier and better equipped to prevent disease and violence.

Animal welfare is therefore not an isolated issue, but an essential part of sustainable and responsible community development.

A community ready to take action

The engagement ended with a lively question-and-answer session, giving community members the opportunity to share concerns, experiences and ideas.

Participants expressed strong appreciation for the initiative and confirmed their willingness to support future animal welfare activities. They also called for more awareness campaigns, regular community outreach and improved access to veterinary services.

The message that emerged from the event was clear: meaningful change begins within communities.

By bringing citizens, local leaders and institutions together, OIPA Liberia is helping to build a stronger culture of compassion, responsibility and respect for animals, while contributing to the shared goal of a healthier and rabies-free Liberia.

L'articolo OIPA Liberia brings communities together to protect animals and prevent rabies proviene da OIPA.

Thanks to the continuous commitment and coordination of Hala Montaser Mahmoud, OIPA’s Representative in Palestine, OIPA Palestine’s volunteer teams are carrying out awareness initiatives aimed at promoting a more informed, humane and responsible approach to stray dog management.

As part of these efforts, the volunteers recently visited An-Najah National University and Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie in Tulkarm, engaging directly with students and opening a constructive conversation about one of the most important animal welfare challenges affecting local communities.

During the initiative, volunteers conducted in-depth interviews with students from both universities to better understand their perceptions, concerns and personal experiences regarding stray dogs.

These conversations offered valuable insight into how the issue is viewed by younger generations and highlighted the importance of providing accurate and reliable information to overcome fear, prejudice and common misconceptions.

The volunteers did not simply collect opinions. They also shared medical, veterinary and scientific information about humane and effective approaches to managing stray dog populations, highlighting the importance of prevention, responsible pet ownership, vaccination, sterilisation and cooperation between communities, institutions and professionals.

By bringing the discussion directly onto university campuses, OIPA Palestine created a space where students could ask questions, express their concerns and learn more about solutions that protect animal welfare while also safeguarding public health.

As part of the initiative, the team also conducted an in-depth interview with specialist Dr Nemer Khraim, who shared his professional perspective on the issue and explained how medical and scientific approaches can contribute to responsible, humane and sustainable solutions.

The interview will support OIPA Palestine’s online awareness activities, allowing the team to reach a wider audience and promote a more informed, balanced and constructive public debate.

The initiative was coordinated in the field by Mai, Field Initiatives Coordinator for OIPA Palestine, together with Hamza Al-Qub, Diaa, Hamada, Dr. Hazem,  and a dedicated group of volunteers whose commitment and participation made the activities possible.

Their collective work demonstrates how young people, volunteers, universities and professionals can become powerful agents of change.

Through dialogue, education and direct community engagement, OIPA Palestine is helping to replace misinformation with knowledge and fear with a deeper understanding of animals.

Because meaningful change begins with awareness  and every informed voice can help build a safer and more compassionate future for both people and animals.

L'articolo OIPA Palestine Raises Awareness of Stray Dog Management Among University Students proviene da OIPA.

The initiative brought together families, animal welfare advocates, rescue organizations, and members of the public with the shared objective of challenging stereotypes surrounding former stray and non-pedigree dogs. Through awareness activities and direct interaction with rescued animals, the event highlighted the importance of compassion, coexistence, and responsible adoption.

The central message of the initiative was clear: a dog’s value should never be determined by pedigree papers, breed certification, or purchase price. Every animal deserves dignity, protection, care, and the opportunity to live in a loving environment.

Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to hear real rescue and adoption stories involving dogs saved from abandonment, shelters, and difficult situations before successfully integrating into families and communities. The initiative also demonstrated how rescued and mixed-breed dogs can become balanced, socialized, affectionate, and devoted companions.

Special attention was dedicated to public education, particularly involving children and families, with activities focused on empathy toward stray and abandoned animals, responsible ownership, respectful coexistence in public spaces, and the importance of adoption as a first choice rather than a secondary option.

Cristina and the OIPA Romania team also supported the event through organizational assistance and by providing certificates of participation, which were warmly appreciated by both organizers and attendees.

Events like this play an important role in encouraging a more compassionate society — one where animals are not viewed as objects or commodities, but as sentient beings deserving respect, protection, and kindness.

L'articolo OIPA Romania Participates in Educational Event Promoting Adoption and Respect for Mixed-Breed Dogs proviene da OIPA.

In several communities across Cameroon, access to veterinary care and knowledge on animal welfare remains limited. This can make it challenging for communities to ensure consistent and adequate care for working animals, particularly donkeys.

It is within this context that the OIPA delegation in Cameroon, led by Mr. Che Gilbert Ayunwi, has been organising a series of structured training days aimed at improving the welfare of  animals through practical knowledge and direct intervention.

Over recent weeks, these efforts have reached three communities, engaging approximately 400 people through six dedicated training sessions. Livestock keepers, cart owners, and community members came together in an open and participatory environment, where learning was based on dialogue, exchange, and real-life experience.

With the support of a team of 10 trained volunteers, the sessions focused on essential and practical aspects of animal care, including proper harnessing techniques to prevent injuries, wound management, basic animal healthcare, parasite control, and general welfare practices for working animals.

A key element of these trainingdays was their hands-on approach. Practical demonstrations were carried out directly with the animals, allowing participants to clearly understand the impact of both harmful and correct practices. Open discussions encouraged questions and shared experiences, making the sessions accessible, relevant, and immediately applicable in everyday life.

Alongside the training activities, the delegation also provided direct veterinary care. Over 800 working donkeys have already been treated, addressing common conditions such as wounds, infections, parasitic infestations, and poor body condition. For many of these animals, this represented their first access to proper care.

This integrated approach, combining education with immediate intervention, aims to create lasting change. By strengthening local capacity and raising awareness, communities are better equipped to care for their animals in a sustainable way.

Ultimately, this initiative contributes to improving both animal welfare and community well-being, fostering a more informed and responsible approach to animal care.

Through these efforts, OIPA Cameroon continues to demonstrate how targeted, community-based actions can generate meaningful and lasting impact.

L'articolo OIPA Cameroon: strengthening animal welfare through community training proviene da OIPA.

Odde was found barely breathing, frail, silent, fading. Through daily meds and deep love, he began to heal. He is not just a rescue. He is the heart of the sanctuary.

Max arrived with a wound and digestive upset. His healing is slow, but steady. Every meal, every dose, every comfort strategy is a step toward safety.

FurLover Sanctuary is more than a shelter, it’s a promise.

A promise to love, to heal, to never give up on the lives others have forgotten.

Your support help them turn heartbreak stories into hope and every rescue into a story worth telling.

Here you can find their contacts to see what they daily do in the shelter and the contacts to donate and help them build a future for the stray cats of Philippines.

Facebook

FurLover Sanctuary – A Home for the Forgotten. A Heart for the Rescued.

L'articolo FurLover Sanctuary in the Philippines proviene da OIPA.

RefQ advocates for the rights of animals, working towards the implementation of laws and policies that protect and enhance their well-being.

It is estimated that around 800 dogs are stray dogs in Tripoli (Meetein, Abu Samra, Kobe, Baddawi).

Dogs reproduce at an alarming rate of 1-12 puppies per litter. Female dogs can get pregnant twice a year.Sterilizing 1 female dog can reduce the reproduction rate by up to 50 puppies in its lifetime. Sterilizing male dogs also reduces aggression.

Is their mission to provide safety for all, it is important to create a sanctuary for dogs where they can be safe and the same for the community.

RefQ created a dog shelter in 2018 that has harbored hundreds of dogs since then.

The need for more shelters is essential and ongoing.

The increased dog population in Tripoli and in Lebanon in general is alarming. With more dogs being dumped and the rate at which dogs and cats reproduce, it is not surprising. Worldwide this problem is solved by TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) which RefQ started in March of 2024. The dog is then tagged with a number in the ear and vaccinated against Rabies.

Since the founding, they have successfully rescued and rehomed over 300 dogs and cats, have built a small rehabilitation center for injured animals that has become a permanent home for over 150 dogs because of the slow rate of adoption in Lebanon and the lack of responsible owners.

The animals rescued were:

• Hit by cars.
• Poisoned.
• Shot.
• Dumped in bad conditions.
• Paralyzed.
• Threatened of being killed

 

This are the link to their website and social media

https://www.facebook.com/RefQLebanon

https://www.instagram.com/refqlebanon/

 

 

Go and check the dogs waiting for adoption!

L'articolo Refq Animal Welfare from Libano proviene da OIPA.

In Kabul, a large number of stray dogs and cats live on the streets, suffering from hunger, diseases, accidents, and mistreatment. The lack of shelters and veterinary services has led to a rise in mortality rates and the spread of infectious diseases.

To manage strays, Afghan government has initiated a project that involves collecting all small and large dogs from across Kabul. A significant number of these animals are being removed through inappropriate and non-transparent methods, while the remainder are relocated to a remote area where city waste is dumped.

This is an extremely unsuitable environment for keeping animals and these actions are illegal according to animal welfare laws.

Everything is set. Here are the details of the project

L'articolo A big new shelter in Kabul, you can contribute to the most important veterinary clinic in Afghanistan proviene da OIPA.