Egypt launches nationwide stray dog sterilization campaign

In recent years, the number of stray dogs in various parts of Egypt has increased, leading to a proliferation of problems such as dogs chasing cars, attacking children, and causing noise disturbances at night. To address this, the Egyptian government will launch a nationwide sterilization campaign for stray dogs, aiming to achieve the "Rabies-Free Egypt 2030" goal.

According to a report by Daily News Egypt, due to the growing number of public complaints about stray dogs, Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly recently stated to the media that a nationwide initiative for sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs will be launched.

The report indicates that the Egyptian government will provide land, veterinary personnel, vehicles, and medications. The Veterinary General Authority will establish stray dog shelters and sterilization centers in all governorates of Egypt.

Egypt has seen social debates sparked by the stray dog issue over the past two years. Both the capital, Cairo, and the Red Sea coastal tourist city of Hurghada have repeatedly been the focus of media attention due to the prevalence of street dogs. Tourists have complained about being chased by stray dogs in Red Sea resort cities and around pyramid sites, with garbage being rummaged through and scattered on the streets by these dogs, as well as disturbing nighttime barking.

In residential areas on the outskirts of Cairo, in emerging satellite cities, and near street garbage piles, children have occasionally been bitten by stray dogs.

Al Ahram newspaper reported in April that the Egyptian government has continuously promoted the importance of rabies vaccination in recent years. Last year, it vaccinated 121,000 stray dogs and performed sterilization surgeries on 8,311 dogs.

An increasing number of Cairo residents are concerned about the large population of stray dogs on the streets. Ahmed, a Cairo resident, told CNA (Central News Agency): "I often see dogs chasing motorcycles on the road, which is very dangerous and makes children afraid to walk past." Amina, another Cairo resident who owns two dogs, believes that human abandonment is the main reason for the increase in street dogs. She also noted that most street dogs are afraid of people and do not approach them without reason. If they are simply culled, they will quickly reproduce. Therefore, establishing a system for sterilization and adoption is a better solution.

Animal welfare advocates have previously criticized the Egyptian government for using poisoned bait or shooting to eliminate street dogs, arguing that this method is not only ineffective in controlling their numbers but also cruel. Amina believes that the Egyptian government's new sterilization initiative is, to some extent, a response to external criticism of past culling policies.