In Ethiopia, a tragedy unfolded that has deeply shattered our trust in those meant to protect innocent lives. At a government-approved veterinary shelter run by the NGO Animal Welfare and Protection, 129 dogs were mercilessly killed by the local government. These were not strays on the streets; they were sheltered animals receiving medical care, love, and attention to make a difference in their lives and those of the community.

The  NGOs/shelter's mission is  to provide medical treatment  for  homeless dogs injured in Addis Abeba streets in traffic accidents or otherwise sick , and a spay neuter clinic and training facility to reduce population and rabies. We also hoped to enhance animal welfare knowledge across Ethiopia, and put an end to the cruel treatment of animals. However, the shocking actions of the local government, conducted with the central government’s knowledge, have slammed our commitment to this cause to the ground. The methods of this appalling act included substances banned internationally alongside unspeakable acts of cruelty using blunt force. These horrible actions violate not only international standards but basic human compassion and dignity. When governments resort to such heinous acts, it erodes the essence of humanity that resides within the very core of our societies.

if the authorities knew they were in the right they would not have removed all security cameras or delete past conversations with shelter staff.. They knew what they did was illegal. Animal welfare is not just a concept on paper but a marker of our moral compass as humans. We must not allow such atrocities to go unnoticed, for these acts were executed under legal pretenses, yet they betray the foundational ethics of civilized societies. Public sanity and conscience find it intolerable that those meant to promote safety through support of NGOs, betray their fundamental purpose.

We urge the relevant authorities at both the local and central government levels in Ethiopia to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this brutal massacre. It is imperative that those responsible face justice swiftly. Moreover, effective measures must be imposed to ensure no animal under governmental or NGO care is ever subjected to such cruelty again.

We call upon animal welfare organizations globally, international bodies, and those who care deeply about the humane treatment of all living creatures to stand in solidarity and demand justice. This is not only about 129 dogs; it is about saying "enough" to cruelty orchestrated under phony legal covers.

Let us raise our voices for these voiceless victims. Sign this petition to demand accountability and reforms that will safeguard animals against such barbaric acts, ensuring that compassion and justice reign supreme in Ethiopia. Together, we can instigate change and protect the vulnerable from those meant to safeguard them. Your signature matters.