From October 1st to December 31st, 2024, a comprehensive animal welfare project was implemented in Erbil Province, Kurdistan, thanks to the generous support of OIPA and the excellent fieldwork of the member association KOARP – Kurdistan Organization for Animal Rights Protection, led by Dr. Sulaiman Tameer. The project focused on raising awareness about animal welfare among children and providing essential veterinary care to stray animals.

Education and Awareness Program

A key component of the project involved educating children about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. The team conducted presentations at two centers:

• Zewa Center for Children’s Rights Protection: Two presentations were delivered, one on animal welfare in Kurdistan and another on rabies prevention. Over 170 children attended these sessions.
• Harman Center for IDP/Khanki: The team visited the center seven times, engaging with children in three classrooms per visit. The focus was on animal kingdom, animal welfare, animal rights, wildlife in Kurdistan, and zoonotic diseases. More than 525 children benefited from these presentations.

On November 4th, the team collaborated with Mr. Mitch Huntch, a world adventurer, and his team from the UK (Avarest Mountain/Nepal Journey). Together, they presented to 400 children at Harman Center. The presentations covered the leopard in Kurdistan and wildlife conservation worldwide.

Mobile Clinic Treatment and Vaccination Campaign

The project also included a mobile veterinary clinic that provided essential care to stray animals. The clinic used a range of medicines, vaccines, minerals, disinfectants, vitamins, dewormers, and equipment. Over three months, the clinic treated 157 stray dogs, 72 street cats, and 29 different kinds of birds. Treatments included prophylactic care, vaccinations, wound treatment, deworming, management of conditions like mange, diarrhea, eye infections, and assistance for newborn animals and those with fractures. The clinic also provided external parasite control and feeding to more than 112 stray cats and dogs.

Sending Help to Syria

A part of OIPA’s donation was used to send four bags (60kg) of cat food to volunteers Havine and Hasaka in Syria.

Conclusion

This OIPA-funded project made a significant impact on animal welfare in Erbil Province by raising awareness among children and providing crucial veterinary care to stray animals. The successful implementation of this initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting organizations like OIPA that work tirelessly to improve the lives of animals worldwide.