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The BSPCA is calling on volunteers to help carry out a stray dog survey as the charity gears up to help finally solve the national headache with its catch, neuter and return (CNR) programme.
The aim of the survey is to gain as much information as possible on the stray dog population in Bahrain now that packs are regularly spotted entering villages and compounds.
Volunteers are being asked to record the dogs seen during the morning of the survey period July 3-10 and again on August 1-8 and a special form can be downloaded from this newspaper's website, www.gulfweekly.com
“We need the public to assist us in supplying data so that we can form an accurate picture of where and how many packs there are in the country,” said Joyce Hughes, the BSPCA fundraising co-ordinator.
“There have been many complaints about the increasing number of stray dogs on the island. Sadly, as yet, there is no municipal stray animal control in Bahrain and therefore the strays are shot as an eradication solution. This is not only inhumane, but has proven totally ineffective in controlling the population long term.
“Until now the BSPCA has been unable to assist due to lack of staff, suitable premises to successfully carry out a nationwide CNR programme, or the funds to deal with the burgeoning number of strays that roam residential areas.
“However, recent discussions with the municipalities, ministries and the Animal Wealth Directorate have resulted in the society obtaining approval to run a nationwide CNR project.
“The BSPCA is a charity and this programme will be funded mainly by donations, so if individuals or companies would like to make a donation specifically to the CNR project, there is a separate account for the humane population control project, so those donating can rest assured the money will be used for this project alone.”
The charity hopes that it will commence after its move to a new animal welfare centre in Askar is completed in August. Dogs Trust International has agreed to provide guidance and support while a nationwide scheme is developed.
As revealed in GulfWeekly last September, in preparation the BSPCA vet Dr Hansel Geo Thomas was sent on a 10-day residential course held in Udhagamandalam, in India, on best practices for fast and safe neutering run by the Worldwide Veterinary Service.
But prior to its launch the BSPCA needs the public’s help to gather information and help provide the following data:
* Location of any dog pack(s) in your area (road number/name, block no, area or landmark
*The number of dogs
* Are they puppies / juvenile / adult?
The survey form can also be downloaded to help the BSPCA in this task on www.bspca.org
Joyce added: “The BSPCA team will also be on the streets throughout July and August carrying out the survey and once we have the facts we can collate the information, select the areas that are most affected by the problem of dog packs and Dr Hansel and his team will begin the fieldwork operations in September, once funding is available.
“The purpose of the project is, of course, population control. We need to neuter as many of the island’s strays to stop them breeding, returning the docile and healthy dogs to their own area and dealing humanely with those that are too feral, sick or injured to be returned.
“Once all the major packs on the island have been dealt with it will become easier to deal with the ones that evade the traps and eventually the problem of strays will virtually disappear.
“The shooting will stop, the sad sight of starving mums and pups will diminish, as well as the aggressive attacks we have seen of late and we can all sleep happy in our beds knowing we have dealt with the situation in a humane way – the best result for both canines and humans.”
For further details contact the BSPCA’s current shelter in Saar on 17591231 or email bspca@hotmail.com
