AMMAN —
Two siblings were attacked by more than 10 stray dogs in Zarqa, Al-Rai daily
reported on Sunday.
Following the
event, Jordanians took to social media to express their anger over the incident
and their disapproval of the government’s handling of the situation.
اضافة اعلان
Animal rights
organizations had previously campaigned to ban the killing of dogs and urged
the government to impose punishments on anyone who assaults them.
Footage of the
event, captured, by surveillance cameras, was circulated on social media.
According to Firas Al-Masaaed, the children’s father, the dogs attacked his
young daughter and later his son, when the latter attempted to come to her aid.
Jordan has seen
similar attacks in different parts of the country in the past, drawing
condemnation from those who say the number of strays is on the rise.
For his part,
Secretary-General of the Ministry of Local Administration Hussein Mhedat said
that the ministry is currently working on establishing a center in each
municipality for neutering and spaying stray dogs.
Mhedat said that
the ministry established an emergency center in Al-Khaldeyh, Daleel, and
surrounding areas, for sterilizing and tagging dogs, after which they “become
harmless”.
Mhedat said that
the government is committed to international agreements, laws, and regulations,
however the ministry is searching for effective solutions to control the stray
population in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Veterinary
Directorate.
Mhedat also said he
did not know how many stray dogs there are in Jordan, nor the number of dog
attacks.
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