The Syrian Veterinary Doctors Syndicate, in cooperation with the German organization "Notpfote Animal Rescue," launched a campaign to combat stray dogs in Damascus through humane methods, organized by the Syrian Association for Veterinary and Surgery of Companion Animals, and the Health and Animal Production Department at the Damascus and Rural Damascus Agriculture Directorate.
The campaign continues until November 11, as part of a training program aimed at exchanging expertise and consolidating scientific and humane approaches in dealing with stray animals, by capturing, sterilizing, and vaccinating them before releasing them again, thereby contributing to enhancing responsible veterinary practices and developing the practical skills of participating doctors.
Targeting 50 to 60 Dogs
Veterinarian Khalid al-Shalh, the supervisor of the campaign, told SANA that the campaign is still in its experimental phase and aims to sterilize 50 to 60 dogs, with hopes to increase the numbers in subsequent stages. Al-Shalh indicated that 14 surgical procedures have been performed so far, with efforts to raise the number to 25 operations per day, noting that dogs receive specific vaccines after surgery and their health status is monitored before being released.
For her part, organization head Babita Treiber explained that the organization's presence in Syria aims to help improve the conditions of stray dogs and sterilize them in Damascus. On his part, veterinarian Ammar Thalaja clarified that the campaign proceeds according to specific stages, including capturing, sterilizing, and releasing dogs, in cooperation with the German organization, based on an agreement signed between them and the Syrian Veterinary Doctors Syndicate.
Caring for Dogs Before Release
Thalaja explained that dogs undergo a care system lasting five to ten days, depending on each dog's condition, before being returned to the places they were collected from. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Health recorded 10,016 cases of exposure to animal bites or scratches since the beginning of 2026, compared to 6,183 cases during the first half of 2025, an increase of 3,833 cases, or about 62 percent, according to Dr. Serine al-Muradani, the National Coordinator for the Rabies Program at the Ministry, in late October.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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