Two stray dogs in the neighborhood of Ras el-Jabal, in Aley, after a wave of animal poisonings in the area, on May 25, 2023. (Credit: Richard Salamé/L'Orient Today.)
BEIUT — The Lebanese Agriculture Ministry announced Friday the launch of the "TNVR" plan, (capture, neuter, vaccinate, and release), with the aim of addressing the issue of stray dogs in Lebanon "in a scientific, humane, and sustainable manner."
The ministry stated in a press release that it is working in cooperation with Veterinarians and has taken the necessary measures to implement this plan "in a number of Lebanese municipalities, in partnership with local authorities willing to engage in this program."
The plan "aims to reduce the reproduction of stray dogs and to control their spread, in a way that ensures the protection of public health, strengthens ecological balance, while complying with international standards." The ministry emphasizes that "this mechanism is a fundamental pillar in [its] vision for governance of the animal health sector and the handling of environmental issues related to stray animals."
The Lebanese law on the protection and welfare of animals (Law 47/2017) requires treating stray animals with dignity. Article 12 stipulates an authority's responsibility in managing stray animals. In Lebanon, the phenomenon of stray dogs has persisted for years and the idea of providing a humane solution is subject to recurring reflections, while cases of poisonings and other cruel treatments against these animals often make headlines.
In practical terms, the ministry plans the following steps for implementing the plan with willing municipalities: the submission of an official request by the municipalities to participate in the plan, followed by an accurate census of stray dogs in their territory, then the implementation of the four steps of the plan (capture, neuter, vaccinate, and release), and finally monitoring and periodic reporting to ensure the effectiveness of the program.
Rubio condemns Iran's 'outrageous' attacks on Kuwait
