The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries has announced an immediate and permanent halt to all campaigns targeting stray animals across Algeria. This decision falls under the Ministry’s mandated authority regarding animal health and welfare within the country.
The directive follows reports of indiscriminate culling of stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, in several municipalities. These methods included inhumane practices such as the use of firearms, poisoning, and fatal beatings, often without coordination with the Ministry’s veterinary services.
Such actions, the Ministry stated, damage Algeria’s international reputation and contradict the ethical and religious values of society. Furthermore, national and international experience has demonstrated the ineffectiveness of these random culls in controlling stray animal populations. These actions create an ecological void, leading to a rapid increase in other animal populations, such as rats and rodents. The Ministry also acknowledged the distress caused to civil society and international organizations by these practices.
A New, Humane Approach
The Ministry of Agriculture is adopting a sustainable policy, aligned with international standards, for managing stray animal populations. This new strategy prioritizes spaying and neutering programs combined with animal census initiatives. The goal is to return sterilized animals to their environment, gradually reducing their numbers and controlling uncontrolled breeding.
Key components of this policy include:
- Widespread vaccination campaigns against rabies to protect public health and reduce health risks to citizens.
- Establishment of dedicated shelters for stray animals under the supervision of veterinary services, providing temporary housing and promoting responsible adoption.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about responsible pet ownership and prevent animal abandonment.
The Ministry emphasized that it is the sole legally responsible entity for animal health and welfare. Any actions related to stray animals must be coordinated exclusively with its veterinary services at the regional level and require prior approval based on established protocols and standards.
Immediate Actions Required
The Ministry has called for urgent measures, including immediate cessation of all brutal and disorganized culling campaigns against stray animals. Municipal leaders are reminded of the necessity for exclusive and mandatory coordination with the Ministry before taking any action related to stray animals. All initiatives will be subject to prior approval based on established protocols and standards.
