The conditions at the dog shelter in Erbil are of significant concern. The shelter has already received numerous complaints regarding the management and care of the animals. On 18/11/2023, during an interview with the Rudaw news channel, Mr. Farman Fadhil, the head of the Kurdistan Animal Protection (KAP) Organization, expressed gratitude to the government for the initiative of establishing a shelter for stray dogs. However, he emphasized that, despite the KAP’s proposal to offer voluntary assistance, the process of dog collection, castration, vaccination, and general care has been deeply disappointing.

The shelter currently lacks sufficient professional staff, and there are several serious issues regarding the care of the animals. One major concern is the absence of proper segregation within the shelter. Currently, all types of dogs, including males, females, puppies, pregnant dogs, as well as infected and uninfected animals, are housed together. This lack of separation will result in the death of puppies and the rapid spread of infections, further exacerbating the situation.

Despite the KAP’s offer to assist in improving the shelter’s environment and care protocols, the organization has yet to receive a response from the government. There is an urgent need for a more professional and organized approach to ensure the welfare of the animals, and the KAP remains committed to supporting the government in this effort.