Erbil’s stray dog campaign is showing strong progress while facing calls for wider expansion. Authorities have collected 18,000 dogs, with 9,000 neutered and released under a humane program. Yet, a recent surge in bite cases on the city’s outskirts highlights the urgent need for broader coverage.
The Erbil stray dog campaign began as a large-scale plan to address a growing challenge. Municipal teams collect more than 50 dogs each day from the city center. Captured dogs are transported to shelters, neutered, vaccinated, and then released back. This trap-neuter-return (TNR) model aims to reduce the population and aggressive behavior without resorting to culling.
While progress is clear in central areas, Rozhawa Hospital reported 94 dog bite cases last month, mostly on the outskirts. Officials stressed that without the Erbil stray dog campaign, the numbers could have been far worse. Residents in covered neighborhoods report a noticeable improvement in safety.
Aras Samad from Bnaslawa said aggressive dogs once dominated the area. Today, he rarely sees strays and commends the campaign’s success. Another resident, Dawlat Taha, also praised the progress but urged officials to extend the effort. She emphasized that children remain at risk in areas still not covered.
The government has committed to expanding the Erbil stray dog campaign. Officials announced plans for a new 20-acre shelter funded with 455 million dinars. The modern facility will include multiple veterinary teams to increase neutering and vaccination capacity.
Civil society groups and environmental organizations have also joined the effort. At a recent conference, experts highlighted the importance of coexistence and responsible human behavior. They argued that most stray dogs only attack when provoked.
Erbil’s humane approach contrasts with culling in other provinces, which has sparked criticism. Mayor Nabaz Abdulhamid confirmed that the Kurdistan Region rejects dog killing and instead invests in long-term solutions.
With consistent funding, expanded shelter space, and a commitment to humane methods, the Erbil stray dog campaign is becoming a model for the region. The goal is clear: reduce bite cases, protect residents, and ensure animal welfare.