The Interior Ministry issued the appeal in a statement, encouraging citizens and residents to notify the relevant bodies when they observe groups of stray dogs in their areas. This move aims to facilitate quicker response from specialized teams tasked with animal control. The ministry emphasized the importance of community participation in maintaining public order and reducing potential risks associated with uncontrolled animal populations.
According to the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, officials received thousands of reports over recent years, leading to the capture of more than 6,500 stray dogs in residential zones during the past year alone. The authority maintains two dedicated sanctuaries for the animals, where they receive care, sterilization and in some cases opportunities for adoption. Such figures underscore the scale of the challenge and the value of public vigilance in addressing it, a Times Kuwait report indicated.
The call aligns with broader efforts under Kuwait’s animal welfare regulations, which prioritize humane treatment while prioritizing resident safety, the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources has stated. Teams operate around the clock to respond to complaints, often using WhatsApp for location sharing to speed up interventions. Reports can be directed to specific numbers provided by the authorities for efficient handling.
Health experts have long warned about the dangers posed by stray dogs, including the transmission of diseases such as rabies, according to Ministry of Health guidance. The Ministry of Health has previously highlighted the need for prompt reporting to prevent bites and related incidents. Integration of efforts between the Interior Ministry and agricultural authorities has proven effective in past campaigns.
In one recent initiative, a campaign targeted sterilization of hundreds of animals using international best practices, a Kuwait Times report found. Volunteer groups and veterinary teams from abroad have supported local efforts to manage the population humanely. The public has been reminded that feeding or approaching strays can exacerbate the problem by encouraging them to remain in populated areas.
The ministry’s statement reiterated that all reports will be handled confidentially and acted upon swiftly by specialized units. Officials noted that increased awareness has already contributed to a decline in certain areas. Continued cooperation remains key to the success of these ongoing operations.
