TO THE ATTENTION OF:

Kurdistan Regional Government

Omed Xoshnaw,  Governor of Erbil, Iraq,

 Zhear Jalal,  Erbil Dog Shelter 

It has come to the world's attention that in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, an estimated three hundred thousand stray dogs roam the streets. In Erbil, the capital city of Kurdistan  the local government has taken a disturbing approach to cope with this situation by rounding up thousands of stray dogs and leaving them in what they misleadingly call an "animal shelter." 

 There have been firsthand accounts of the the dire conditions these animals are subjected to. This "shelter" is merely a dumping ground/extermination camp where over 15,000 stray dogs suffer without adequate food, water, or medical assistance. The heart-wrenching reality is that these animals are left to fend for themselves, facing starvation, dehydration, and disease in a place they should have been safe.

We urge the Kurdistan Regional Government, and Omed Xoshnaw, the Governor of Erbil to act immediately and cease this inhumane treatment of stray dogs, and to allocate resources to improve the existing Erbil shelter conditions where the dogs can receive sufficient food, water and medical treatment. We also urge the Kurdistan Regional Government to implement a strategic spay/neuter program to humanely control the homeless dog population.

*******The following countries have bi-lateral relations with Kurdistan, so PLEASE contact your local Consulate and let them know of the dire situation in Erbil.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Kurdistan_Region

These neglected dogs are living, breathing creatures deserving of compassion and care. Concerned citizens around the word must unite and sign this petition to support a more compassionate and responsible approach to the stray dog crisis in Erbil, Iraq. 

 To learn more about the Erbil stray dog shelter please visit our Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575903314284