Over 50 stray dogs have been rescued in Sharjah's Al Dhaid area as part of a campaign carried out by the municipality last week.

Ali Mussabah Al Tunaiji, director of Al Dhaid Municipality, told Khaleej Times the dogs were rescued after an "intensified inspection carried out by the municipality targeting stray animals". The civic body launched the campaign following complaints from a large number of residents.

He explained that stray dogs in Al Dhaid pose a danger to livestock and poultry breeders. "They complained that stray dogs attacked and preyed on sheep and poultry," said Al Tunaiji.

He said some of the dogs were handed over to the Sharjah shelter for cats and dogs. The more aggressive ones were put to sleep "in accordance with the health methods followed in this regard".

Al Tunaiji said when the municipality receives complaints about stray animals, a special team is dispatched to deal with them.

The official said many farm owners dump their dead cattle outside their farms without realising that the practice attracts strays.

"The municipality is constantly alerting farmers to follow the proper ways to get rid of dead animals by burying them deeply, but we never get any response from them," he added.

Al Tunaiji urged residents to report strays in their neighbourhood by calling the municipality via its hotline 993. Residents can also interact with the municipality through its social media channels

Source: Khaleej Times