A man feeding a stray dog. (Credit: Animals Lebanon.)
The association Animals Lebanon assured that the stray dogs found around a lifeless body washed up on the shore of Ramlet al-Baida were not responsible for the victim's death, who has not yet been identified.
The association was responding to information that circulated on social media last Thursday, accompanied by images showing stray dogs gathered around a body on this Beirut beach.
In a statement, the association affirmed on Monday that no dog was present around the body that was floating lifeless in the sea at around 5 a.m., as shown by surveillance images from a nearby hotel. The stray dogs on the beach only approached the body once it had washed ashore, around 6:30 a.m.
These surveillance images have been examined and verified by authorities, ruling out the animals' responsibility.
The association also stated that it had extended its condolences to the victim's family and worked in collaboration with Beta Lebanon to capture these stray dogs in a humane manner and place them in a shelter.
Animals Lebanon also reminded that the Lebanese law on the protection and welfare of animals (law 47/2017) requires treating stray animals with dignity. Article 12 provides for the responsibility of authorities in managing stray animals. "These dogs are not aggressive and have been cared for by residents."
Finally, the association asked the public to refrain from spreading such information before verifying its truthfulness.
