The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation has intensified efforts to address the issue of stray dogs in provinces across the country. The initiative, led by the General Organization for Veterinary Services, aims to prevent the spread of diseases such as rabies and ensure public safety. The plan involves collaboration with the Ministry of Local Development, provincial authorities, and relevant agencies to respond promptly to reports and handle cases effectively.
According to Dr. Hamad Al-Aqnass, head of the General Organization for Veterinary Services, the organization's role extends beyond vaccinating dogs against rabies and implementing sterilization programs. The organization also deals with on-the-ground reports and cases that require intervention through veterinary teams equipped with necessary equipment and in coordination with local authorities. The plan includes safe capture, examination, and evaluation of stray dogs, followed by appropriate measures such as vaccination, sterilization, and release.
The General Organization for Veterinary Services has established 12 shelters in various provinces, including Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and Port Said, to provide care and housing for stray dogs. Additionally, 14 vehicles have been equipped to support fieldwork, including two stationed at the organization's headquarters and others in provinces. The organization has also provided 200,000 doses of free rabies vaccine to support vaccination efforts in provinces.
Dr. Al-Aqnass emphasized that the government's efforts in addressing stray dogs involve a multi-faceted approach, including responding to reports, capturing and evaluating dogs, vaccination, sterilization, sheltering, and dealing with cases that pose a direct threat to public safety. The organization is working in coordination with the Ministry of Local Development, provincial authorities, and relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of the plan.
The plan also focuses on raising awareness and preventing the spread of rabies, in line with the "One Health" approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. The organization is prioritizing reports and cases that require intervention, with a focus on public safety and health.
As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture is working to provide additional equipment and supplies, including nets, to enhance the capacity of veterinary teams to respond to reports and handle cases effectively. The organization is also committed to continuous field presence and monitoring of the situation in provinces.
The comprehensive plan aims to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of diseases such as rabies, while also promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. The Ministry of Agriculture and the General Organization for Veterinary Services are working closely with relevant agencies to implement the plan and achieve its objectives.
Key points
- The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture has launched a comprehensive plan to address stray dogs in provinces, focusing on disease prevention and public safety.
