During the peaceful protest on January 23, 2025, Farman Fadhil Hasan, CEO of the Kurdistan Animal Protection Organization (KAPO), spoke to APORA TV, emphasizing that the issue of stray dogs is often exaggerated. “It’s not the dogs that are dangerous—it’s how we treat them. The dog I have with me is a stray, yet he poses no harm because I show him kindness, feed him, and treat him with respect,” he said.

He highlighted that many people, including children, are harming stray animals, which causes dogs to act in self-defense. “We acknowledge the rising population is a concern, but killing them is not a humane or acceptable solution. Using guns to solve this issue sets a dangerous precedent, shaping a future generation lacking compassion, and contributing to an unhealthy society.”

When asked by the APORA presenter about the environmental impact of interfering with the growth of stray dog populations, Farman responded, “Castration and neutering are scientific, humane solutions with no negative environmental effects. In fact, they help calm the animals and make them less reactive.”

He also shared that while KAPO operates across many cities in Iraq, their main focus is in Erbil, with active volunteers working in Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Kirkuk.