Iraqi animal lovers go online to help save Baghdad’s strays (204)

October 09, 2017 - 11:50

The welfare of stray cats and dogs roaming Iraq's capital Baghdad is far from a priority for most residents after years of bloodshed and insecurity.

Homeless animals typically face cruelty or even extermination on the streets of the city, but now some pet lovers are looking to use social media to change attitudes and find loving owners for the four-legged friends. — AFP Photo
Viet Nam News

BAGHDAD — The welfare of stray cats and dogs roaming Iraq’s capital Baghdad is far from a priority for most residents after years of bloodshed and insecurity.

Homeless animals typically face cruelty or even extermination on the streets of the city, but now some pet lovers are looking to use social media to change attitudes and find loving owners for the four-legged friends.

Agricultural college student Assan Attallah, 22, has just helped get six dogs adopted after they were found in the impoverished Sadr City neighbourhood and is looking for homes for five more.

The successes are the latest since she and a friend launched the "Animal adoption" Facebook page three months back after growing upset over the fate of Baghdad’s stray animals.

"I started this project because I saw animals were being mistreated and people would go as far as poisoning and killing them," Attallah told AFP as she played with some puppies in an animal shelter.

"Many people buy pets at very high prices so why not bring in these animals, take them to the vet and clean them up so people can adopt them?"

So far Attallah has managed to find homes for some 25 animals after posting their pictures online. — AFP

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