(Illustrative photo: AFP)
A woman was bitten by stray dogs in Saida on Monday and was taken to a city hospital, reported L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region, relaying a message published on the victim's Facebook account.
Nadine al-Atab recounted having suffered two bites on the leg caused by stray dogs while walking near the Saida beach. Denouncing a "serious incident due to the negligence in addressing the phenomenon of stray dogs," she stated that this situation was "totally unacceptable." She asked the new city council to make this issue "a priority" and "to resolve this problem before a catastrophe occurs."
A source within the municipality said on the condition of anonymity that the issue of stray dogs would be on the agenda as soon as the new municipal president officially takes office. "This will be done in coordination with the governor and local associations because the issue of stray dogs has become concerning. They have attacked people on several occasions, and an action plan must be implemented," stated the source.
According to the state-run National Information Agency (NNA), several similar incidents have been reported in the past, prompting residents to express their concern about this phenomenon. The municipality previously collaborated with volunteers to provide suitable shelters for stray dogs.
The Lebanese law on the protection and welfare of animals (law 47/2017) requires treating stray animals with dignity. Article 12 provides for the authorities' responsibility in managing stray animals.