A tragedy is unfolding in Jordan that demands immediate action. Countless innocent dogs are being subjected to the most unimaginable cruelty and torture – they are being beaten, burned, stabbed and even buried alive.
The issue of stray dogs has divided Jordanians into two camps: One highly supportive of animal rights, the other claiming freedom of movement is a basic human right impeded by the presence of wandering canines.
A recent spike in attacks by street dogs across Jordan has renewed the controversy over how to deal with the problem of strays, as some are calling on the authorities to eliminate the dogs, while others are pushing for sterilization and vaccination measures.
It all started when a video was posted of a dog attacking a child. The video is not even from Jordan, but local media outlets are spreading it to incite fear and hatred towards dogs, portraying them as vicious killers. More videos of callous acts to dogs followed
Activists in the field of animal protection are urging the authorities to deal with the Kingdom’s stray dog problem in a scientific manner, without violating animal rights by killing them.
Horrible as it is, things like this are happening every day in Jordan. Some young men and children see killing dogs as a “fun” and seem to compete to find the most barbaric way to inflict suffering. Now, a media frenzy is making things worse.
The issue of stray dogs has divided Jordanians into two camps: One highly supportive of animal rights, the other claiming freedom of movement is a basic human right impeded by the presence of wandering canines.
he general manager of the Al-Kanaani Company for Animal Rights, Manar Rahahleh, told Jordan News that the number of street dogs has been increasing in Jordan because of the dogs’ mating season. In addition, a large number of dogs entered the Kingdom through the Syrian border after the devastating earthquakes that recently struck the neighbouring country.
The recent earthquakes have not only led to an influx of strays from Syria, but have also frightened the dogs, making them more tense.
The survivors of this genocide must have a haven, food and the best possible care. They need to know that they are loved, that they are valued and that they are safe. It is our duty as human beings to come together and provide the support they need to heal and recover from this trauma.
Animal rights activist Hazem Yaqoub echoed Rahahleh’s statements, noting that, during mating period, dogs become more ferocious.
Furthermore, the recent earthquakes have not only led to an influx of strays from Syria, but have also frightened the dogs, making them more tense.
“Killing animals will not solve the problem,” Yaqoub explained, as one female dog and her babies can have over 67,000 puppies in a 10-year timeframe.
MP Abdel Salam Al-Thiyabat offered a different solution to the problem. He told Jordan News that local municipalities should catch dogs, cage them, and export them abroad.
“We are all for animal rights, but not at the expense of citizens,” he said. “People and children in a state of panic. If the Jordanian government allowed the dogs to be killed, I would suggest it, because the dogs have become a source of anxiety and fear.”
Poisoning and killing dogs “is not an appropriate solution, because it contributes to an environmental imbalance”, Rahahleh said. Instead, “the solution is to catch stray dogs, sterilize them, and vaccinate them”.
The best way to help community dogs is through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). TNR ensures no new puppies are born, stabilizes dog populations, provides vaccines, and improves dogs’ lives. It also stops the behaviors and stresses associated with mating such as yowling, spraying, and fighting.
TNR is practiced all over the world. It’s considered best practice and is good public policy.
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