On 21/11/2023 during an interview with Zoom News Channel, Mr. Farman Fadhil, the head of the Kurdistan Animal Protection Organization (KAPO), highlighted significant concerns regarding the current conditions at the Erbil dog shelter. He revealed that a total of 2,250 dogs have been collected from the neighborhoods of Erbil city, yet the shelter’s environment remains inadequate for their well-being. Mr. Farman emphasized that the shelter urgently needs to be improved to provide better living conditions for the animals, with a particular focus on professional and humane dog collection practices.

He stressed that the dogs deserve to be treated with respect and care, and that the collection process should be conducted without causing harm or abuse. Furthermore, Mr. Farman pointed out the need for the shelter to have proper facilities, including a rain chamber to protect the dogs during the harsh winter season. The current conditions, he noted, are causing considerable suffering for the animals.

Mr. Farman also expressed concern over the feeding process, which is being carried out in a manner that has led to aggressive behavior among the dogs, resulting in fights. Additionally, the collection practices have been reported as careless, with instances where mother dogs are taken while leaving their puppies behind. One particularly troubling case involved a dog being released from the shelter with its ears cut off and bleeding, which has raised significant alarm about the shelter’s management.

In light of these issues, Mr. Farman reiterated the KAPO’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with the responsible authorities in order to improve the shelter’s conditions. He also emphasized his organization’s readiness to offer voluntary assistance to ensure that the animals receive the care and protection they deserve.