OIPA ETS is deeply concerned by the alarming reports emerging from Alexandria, Egypt, regarding the treatment of stray dogs during recent population-control operations.
According to information received from local contacts and reports published by the media, hundreds of stray dogs have allegedly been removed from the streets of Alexandria, loaded onto trucks and transported under extreme summer temperatures before being abandoned in remote desert areas without food, water or shelter.
Witnesses and animal welfare organisations have also reported cases of animals suffering from dehydration, injuries and exhaustion following these operations. The images and testimonies circulating in recent days have sparked widespread concern both within Egypt and internationally.
These reports are particularly worrying because they appear to contradict the strategy that the Egyptian Government has publicly presented in recent years to address the country’s stray dog population.
Egypt has repeatedly announced its commitment to implementing humane dog population management through Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return (CNVR) programmes, together with the development of shelters, veterinary care, vaccination campaigns and measures aimed at achieving the national goal of becoming rabies-free by 2030.
If confirmed, the reported abandonment of dogs in desert areas would be fundamentally incompatible with these commitments and with internationally recognised standards for humane dog population management.
The management of stray animals undoubtedly represents a complex challenge involving public health, community safety and animal welfare. However, abandoning animals in isolated areas cannot be considered an effective or humane solution. Sustainable dog population management must be based on sterilisation, vaccination, responsible ownership, education and cooperation between institutions, veterinarians and animal welfare organisations.
In light of the seriousness of the reports received, OIPA is taking action.
The organisation is currently working on a joint institutional initiative, together with other international animal welfare organisations, aimed at addressing the Egyptian Government and the competent authorities. The objective is to request clarification regarding the reported events, encourage full transparency and urge the implementation of humane, science-based and legally compliant methods for managing stray dog populations.
Animal welfare cannot be separated from respect for the law, transparency and responsible public policies.
OIPA believes that every allegation deserves to be properly investigated and that any practice causing unnecessary suffering to animals is unacceptable. We therefore call upon the Egyptian authorities to ensure that the country’s declared commitments to humane dog population management are fully respected and effectively implemented.
OIPA will continue to closely monitor the situation and will keep the international community informed of further developments and institutional actions.
