Irbid to establish shelters, clinics for stray dogs

AMMAN — The Greater Irbid Municipality has allocated 1,000 square metres of land for stray dogs near the “Truck City” in the east of the governorate, according to Irbid’s Director of Health Affairs Mahmoud Shiyyab.

The decision comes from the municipality council as part of an effort to address the issue of stray dogs and reduce the rate of their reproduction, Shiyyab told The Jordan Times

He says the project is a collaboration between the Irbid Municipality, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and an animal welfare organisation in Jordan.

“We need mechanisms and means of transport for dogs, medical materials, operating rooms and a team of veterinarians,” according to Shiyyab.  

After these requirements are met, he said “the TNR (trap, neuter, release) operations can be conducted on the dogs, in addition to giving them the required vaccinations and treatment before they are released back into the streets”. 

Shiyyab noted that work is still underway to establish special shelters for stray dogs, a clinic and office for veterinarians, as well as the procurement of all the necessary logistical requirements by the municipality.

“A similar centre has been opened before for the same purpose but it did not continue due to financial circumstances. Such a project requires a certain budget and we are hoping that this time with the cooperation between the concerned parties that it will succeed,” he added.

Shiyyab emphasised that the municipality will coordinate with the Directorate of Agriculture to provide the necessary requirements to implement the TNR campaigns for stray dogs, in accordance with health standards and protocols.