Muscat residents rescue and rehabilitate mistreated stray dogs
They criticise policy of shooting stray dogs; offer alternative and humane solutions
Muscat’s stray dog population has plagued authorities for years as they struggle to reduce their numbers after continuous complaints from residents.
Over the past six years, authorities have indiscriminately shot any stray dog they come across on the spot, a move that has unsettled many residents.
“I think what they are doing is inhumane and cruel,” said Dr Elke Heitz, head veterinarian at Qurum Veterinary Clinic.
“Dogs are being killed in a very indiscriminate manner. They shoot any dog that comes in[to] the sight,” she told Gulf News.
The dogs often do not die right away, as the bullets used are very small, she explained.
“Many bullets sometimes hit their legs and they die much later because of their wounds,” she said.
Instead of executing dogs on the streets, she suggests authorities implement a “neuter and release policy” where dogs undergo surgery that prevents them from reproducing but can still live out their natural lives.
The cost of neutering a dog is only 60 riyals (Dh572).
Adoption centre
Meanwhile, as cases of abandoned and injured dogs increase, a group of volunteers has set up an adoption centre to help find loving homes for these mistreated animals.
“I adopted two puppies two years ago. I found them stranded in one of the wadis in the capital. Their mother was killed. They were in [a] miserable condition. I took them to Muscat Veterinary Clinic for treatment and saved their lives,” Katie Thompson, a member of Oman Animal Adopting and Fostering Group, told
Today these dogs live a happy life in Thompson’s house in the Khuwair district of the capital, Muscat.
“They are fiercely loyal, protective and loving. These sweet dogs don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow. They filled my life with so much joy and love,” she said.
Hernandez Robin, a resident of Oman for many years, rescued five dogs in Seeb province.
“I took three of them to the vet after I found them bleeding from being shot,” he said, adding that he felt it was his duty as a human to care for these dogs.
“I can’t forget the day when I saw a puppy die after being shot several times. I couldn’t sleep for days,” he said.
Five people reported to have been bitten by stray dogs in Muscat in 2016, according to police figures.
Two died from rabies caused by dog bites in the past 10 years.
There are no accurate figures about the number of stray dogs in Muscat.
Nasser Al Beloushi, 18, was bitten by a stray dog last year in his neighbourhood.
“The dog attacked me and bit my finger. Luckily my friend rushed me to the hospital and medics gave me the mandatory injections. I have had a phobia of dogs ever since,” he said.
“Many people are afraid of dogs but in fact they are shy and sweet animals that don’t usually bite,” Ahmad Al Harthi, an animal right activist, told Gulf News.
“They want to live peacefully along with humans. More awareness campaigns are needed about dogs so people do not fear them.”
Al Beloushi added that even though he is afraid of dogs, he doesn’t believe they should be executed. “They are God’s creations,” he said.
The police conduct annual execution campaigns for stray dogs in coordination with the Muscat Municipality.