Peregraf
The prosecutor general of Duhok has urged for prompt measures to tackle the increasing population of stray dogs by enforcing Iraqi Law No. 48 of 1986, which prescribes the extermination and incineration of stray dogs as a remedial action.
This matter has ignited fervent discussions within the Kurdistan Region, especially among religious groups and animal rights advocates. While religious leaders cite Islamic decrees, such as Fatwa No. 839 of 2019, to rationalize the elimination of stray dogs, activists are promoting more humane solutions, including the establishment of shelters and vaccination initiatives.
Judge Hidar Abdulmajid Hassan, the prosecutor general of Duhok, pointed out that the escalating number of stray dogs in urban settings has resulted in the transmission of diseases and instilled fear, particularly among children. In correspondence with local authorities, he stressed the importance of complying with the law and called for a "coordinated and healthy solution" in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
Legal and Religious Justifications
According to Article 6 of Iraqi Law No. 48, stray dogs that present health or environmental hazards must be eliminated using firearms or other methods. Their remains are to be incinerated in isolated areas. The law also empowers the Minister of Agriculture to issue specific directives for its implementation.
The fatwa from the High Council of Fatwa in the Kurdistan Region further endorses this stance, asserting that "Any dog that poses a threat to health, economy, or the environment must be eradicated by specialized government agencies while ensuring hygiene and environmental integrity."
Public Reaction and Distressing Events
The discourse has escalated following a recent tragic event in Kirkuk. On January 11, 2025, a nine-year-old third-grade student was tragically killed by a pack of stray dogs while on his way home from school. This incident has reignited calls for urgent action from both the public and activists.
Despite the efforts of animal welfare organizations to provide shelter and vaccination for stray dogs, these programs have encountered considerable obstacles, primarily due to a lack of adequate government funding.
Authorities in Duhok are facing mounting pressure to uphold the law amidst a divided public, necessitating a careful balance between ethical considerations and the safety of the community.