UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Dubai Adoption Centre Records Promising Start

Dubai Municipality has announced that 85 cats have been adopted during the first ten days of operation at its new municipal animal adoption centre.

The facility was established to encourage adoption over purchasing pets and to improve outcomes for stray and abandoned cats. Officials say the strong public response is an encouraging indication that responsible adoption is gaining momentum and hope the centre will reduce the number of animals requiring long-term municipal care.

MEXICO

Pet Registration Enforcement Begins

Authorities in parts of Mexico have begun actively enforcing new companion animal registration requirements introduced under recent animal welfare reforms.

The measures are intended to improve traceability, promote responsible ownership and strengthen enforcement against abandonment and cruelty. Owners are being reminded that failure to comply where registration is mandatory may result in significant financial penalties.

COLOMBIA

Congress Considers New Animal Protection Reforms

Lawmakers in Colombia are considering a package of proposed reforms designed to strengthen legal protection for companion animals.

The proposals include tougher penalties for animal cruelty, stronger measures against pet theft and the creation of a national animal welfare fund to support enforcement and welfare programmes. Animal welfare organisations have welcomed the proposals as an important opportunity to modernise the country’s approach to protecting dogs and cats.

SPAIN

Forensic Investigation Solves Community Cat Killings

Spanish investigators have identified a suspect following a nine-month investigation into the shooting deaths of four community cats in Teruel.

Veterinary forensic specialists played a significant role in the investigation, demonstrating the increasing use of forensic science in animal cruelty cases. Welfare organisations hope the case will reinforce the message that offences against companion animals are investigated with the same seriousness as other criminal acts.

UNITED STATES

San Diego Humane Society Reaches Kennel Capacity

The San Diego Humane Society has reported that it has run out of available kennel space following another intake of rescued dogs.

The organisation is appealing for adopters and foster carers to help relieve pressure on the shelter, saying community support is essential as shelters across many parts of the United States continue to experience high intake numbers and limited capacity.

AUSTRALIA

Geelong Remains Victoria’s Cruelty Hotspot

New figures show Greater Geelong remains the local government area with the highest number of reported animal cruelty complaints in Victoria for the fourth consecutive year.

Although the number of impounded animals has fallen slightly, the council has increased animal impound fees, saying the true cost of caring for impounded animals continues to rise. Welfare organisations are encouraging responsible ownership through microchipping, registration and desexing to reduce the number of animals entering shelters.

End of Bulletin

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SRI LANKA

Landmark Animal Welfare Bill Gazetted

Sri Lanka has gazetted its long-awaited Animal Welfare Bill, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise animal protection laws. If enacted, it would replace legislation dating back to 1907 with a more comprehensive legal framework for animal welfare.

The Bill seeks to strengthen protections against cruelty and neglect, introduce a modern duty of care for those responsible for animals and provide substantially stronger penalties for offences. It is intended to give authorities more effective powers to address animal welfare concerns, although its provisions may still be amended during the parliamentary process.

The legislation must now be debated and approved by Parliament before it can become law. While many animal welfare organisations have welcomed this long-awaited progress, some campaigners have also called for further amendments to strengthen the final legislation before its enactment

TASMANIA

Government Reaffirms Greyhound Racing Phase-Out

The Tasmanian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending greyhound racing by 30 June 2029, with ministers stating that animal welfare remains central to the transition.

A voluntary exit scheme is now operating for industry participants wishing to leave the sport early, while planning continues to ensure greyhounds are rehomed gradually rather than facing a large-scale welfare crisis when the ban takes effect. Government ministers say the phased approach is designed to protect both the dogs and those leaving the industry.

AUSTRALIA

Council Clarifies Pet Surrender Fee

Knox City Council has clarified that its A$146 pet surrender fee is voluntary after concerns that some owners believed payment was compulsory.

Animal welfare advocates warned the misunderstanding could discourage responsible pet surrender and potentially increase the risk of abandonment. The council has updated its guidance and says the policy remains under review.

UNITED STATES

Illinois Advances Welfare-Based Pet Custody Law

Illinois is moving closer to becoming one of the first US states to require courts to consider the welfare of companion animals during possession disputes, regardless of whether the parties are married.

The proposed Companion Animal Custody Equity Act (HB4540) would allow judges to consider an animal’s wellbeing, continuity of care, veterinary history and living arrangements, while also permitting temporary caregiving orders during legal proceedings where appropriate. The legislation has passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly and has been sent to the Governor.

EUROPEAN UNION

First EU-Wide Dog and Cat Welfare Rules Move Closer

The European Union is moving towards introducing its first harmonised welfare framework for dogs and cats, establishing minimum standards for breeding, identification, registration and traceability across Member States.

The legislation aims to combat illegal breeding and cross-border trafficking while improving welfare standards for companion animals sold through commercial breeders and other regulated establishments. Once formally adopted and published, Member States will begin implementing the new requirements over a phased timetable.

UNITED STATES

Companion Animals Increasingly Recognised in Family Law

The proposed reforms in Illinois reflect a broader trend across the United States towards recognising that companion animals are more than property in legal disputes.

Rather than focusing solely on ownership, the new approach allows courts to consider what outcome is in the best interests of the animal, including continuity of care, emotional wellbeing and established routines. Animal welfare organisations have welcomed the direction of travel as a significant evolution in companion animal law.

End of Bulletin

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Hundreds of Animals Rescued from Greek Wildfires

As wildfires continue to devastate parts of Greece, animal rescue volunteers have saved more than 280 animals, most of them dogs, from the flames near Megara, west of Athens.

The fires, driven by extreme temperatures and strong winds, destroyed homes and forced widespread evacuations. Volunteer rescuers worked in dangerous conditions to remove dogs, cats and other animals from the fire zone, with many now being temporarily housed while efforts continue to reunite them with their families.

Animal welfare organisations have praised the courage of those involved but say the response also highlights a wider problem. Campaigners are calling for governments to develop dedicated emergency plans for animals during natural disasters, arguing that rescue efforts currently rely too heavily on volunteers and charities despite the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters.

Death of Community Dog Continues to Spark International Outcry

The death of a stray dog known as Wang Wang and her puppies continues to generate international attention, with campaigners renewing calls for stronger animal protection legislation in China.

Animal advocates say the case has prompted demonstrations, petitions and renewed discussion about the absence of comprehensive national laws protecting companion animals from cruelty. The case has become a symbol for many campaigners seeking legal reform and greater recognition of the welfare of community animals.

Justice for Rocky Campaign Continues

Campaigners in Malaysia have continued to press for accountability following the death of Rocky, with demonstrations calling for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws and improved protection for community animals.

The case has attracted significant public attention and remains a focal point for wider discussions about the treatment of stray and community dogs.

Climate Change and Animal Welfare

The Greek wildfires are another reminder that climate emergencies increasingly affect animals as well as people.

Animal welfare organisations are urging governments to incorporate companion animals, livestock and wildlife into emergency planning, warning that rescue infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing scale and frequency of extreme weather events.

Australia Council Clarifies Pet Surrender Fee After Welfare Concerns

A council in Victoria has clarified that its A$146 pet surrender fee is voluntary, following criticism from animal welfare advocates who feared the charge could discourage struggling owners from surrendering pets safely and contribute to abandonment. The council says no animal will be refused because an owner cannot pay, and it is reviewing how the policy is communicated. The debate highlights the balance between funding animal services and ensuring financial barriers do not compromise animal welfare.

Former Shelter Staff Raise Concerns Over Animal Welfare

A former volunteer coordinator at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter in New York has publicly criticised the shelter’s management, alleging inadequate staffing, insufficient training and poor welfare practices. Other former staff have supported some of the concerns, while shelter management disputes the allegations, pointing to recent improvements and satisfactory state inspections. The case has reignited discussion about transparency, staffing and welfare standards within municipal shelters.

End of Bulletin

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Philippines

Questions Remain Over Alleged Dog Clearances Ahead Of IRONMAN Event

There are questions being raised regarding the way stray dogs are treated in Lapu-Lapu City just before the IRONMAN 70.3 event on 9 August.

A local animal welfare organisation alleges that in the past, dogs have been seized before the city’s preparation for the race and states that previous clearance operations have led to animals being killed, it adds that its concerns go back to 2012, when volunteers managed to rescue over 70 dogs which were said to have been taken from the streets at the time of the event.

The Lapu-Lapu City Government and the people in charge of the event have denied that dogs have been killed either under the present administration or in connection with this years race. Yet no current figures have been made available indicating how many dogs have recently been taken into the municipal pound or what has become of them.

Dog Desk Animal Action has asked both the city and the event organiser for their current intake & release, adoption, transfer and euthanasia records. The Philippines is still included on our Global Stray Dog Crisis Map Watchlist and any developments before and after 9 August will be kept under observation.

The Bahamas

Government Announces Dog Licensing Amnesty And Enforcement Campaign

The government of the Bahamas is currently making preparations to improve the enforcement of its animal control laws in the light of ongoing worries regarding stray dogs, irresponsible ownership and attacks.

In August a public information campaign is going to start, along with a forgiveness scheme which will let owners of unlicensed dogs get the annual licence they are required to have. The Department of Agriculture is at the same time working in cooperation with the Animal Protection and Control Board to boost its enforcement capabilities.

Better licensing would enable owners to be more easily identified, help to reunite lost dogs with their families and allow people to be held responsible in cases where animals are abandoned or left to roam. But in order for the number of unowned dogs to be reduced in a sustainable way, enforcement must be coupled with accessible sterilisation, vaccination and humane population management programmes.

Poland

President Signs Law Banning The Tethering Of Dogs And Cats

The President of Poland has approved an amendment to the Animal Protection Act which prohibits the routine tethering of dogs and cats.

According to the new law, a dog which is kept outside the home should generally be permitted to move freely about within a securely enclosed property. In the case of a dog being kept in an outdoor pen, the enclosure must offer enough space for movement and for natural behaviour, have a stable construction, and provide adequate light and ventilation. The agriculture minister will separately set out the exact minimum dimensions.

Dogs that are kept in outdoor pens also need to have appropriate daily exercise; those which live in a pen, in an unheated building or outdoors must have suitable shelter that gives insulation and protects them from rain, snow, wind and high temperatures.

Restraint will continue to be lawful when the dog is on a walk, in transport, receiving veterinary treatment, being groomed, undergoing training, taking part in exhibitions and in similar situations. It can also be used temporarily to avoid an immediate danger to people, animals or property or when there is no other practical means of restraint available.

The amendment was signed by President Karol Nawrocki on 24 July 2026 and appeared in Poland’s official Journal of Laws on 27 July, coming into force on 28 July 2027. Breaches will be handled in accordance with the Animal Protection Act, while cases constituting animal cruelty may be subject to more severe criminal penalties.

A reform has now taken place after a previous effort to ban tethering was rejected in 2025 due to disagreements regarding the proposed kennel requirements. This amended law marks a major advance in ending the long-term isolation and suffering endured by animals which are kept permanently on chains.

Australia

Nearly 9,000 Animal Cruelty Reports Recorded In Victoria

New figures indicate that Victorias inspectors received 8,965 reports concerning animal cruelty in the 2025–26 financial year.

About 60,000 animals were involved and more reports concerning dogs than any other species were received. 2,225 animals were seized or handed over to the inspectors, which was a 19% increase compared with the previous year.

The data also shows the complex link between animal suffering and various wider human crises, with cases being connected to domestic violence, drug use, financial difficulty, mental health problems and a deliberate intention to harm. It is reported that over 300 animals were taken from situations where the owners were affected by drugs, and about 260 were linked to domestic violence or threats of harm.

There were thirty four animal cruelty cases brought to a close during the year. The figures support the demand for modernised legislation, adequate funding for enforcement, and earlier assistance for animals residing in households that are affected by violence or crisis.

Australia

Woman Charged After 119 Animals Found At Queensland Property

A woman has been accused of serious animal cruelty following the police’s evaluation of the welfare of 119 animals at a rural property in Tara, Queensland.

On 24 July the police went to the property and stated that they had found 32 dogs, 16 cats, 18 goats, 38 chickens, six budgies, three quails, one parrot, one dove, three guinea pigs and a pet rat.

The officers gave immediate help and organised further support for the animals, a woman aged 48 was later charged with one count of serious animal cruelty and is due to appear at the Magistrates Court on 20 August.

United States

Dozens Of Dogs And Exotic Animals Removed From Unsafe Home

When police carried out a search warrant in Connecticut they discovered animals in unsafe living conditions and as a result the authorities from the state removed 52 of them from the property.

The animals consisted of about 34 dogs, 17 exotic birds and a capuchin monkey which was said to be being kept illegally. This monkey was handed over to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and at the same time the animal control officers and various other local agencies got involved in arranging suitable care for the other animals.

Two people have been accused of committing animal cruelty and of illegally possessing the monkey. The charges have not yet been tried in court.

End of Bulletin

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United States

Pennsylvania Highlights Impact Of Stronger Animal Cruelty Law

New figures released by Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System show that more than 72,000 animal abuse offences have been filed since Libre’s Law came into force in 2017, with almost two thirds involving animal neglect.

The legislation strengthened penalties for animal cruelty and provided law enforcement and prosecutors with stronger tools to investigate and prosecute offences against animals. Court officials say the figures demonstrate both the scale of animal welfare concerns and the importance of robust legislation in protecting companion animals.

Animal welfare organisations continue to stress that effective enforcement, public education and early intervention remain essential if neglect and cruelty are to be reduced.

United States

Michigan Strengthens Animal Cruelty Laws And Shelter Support

Michigan has introduced a package of new animal welfare legislation designed to strengthen protections for animals while providing additional support for shelters across the state.

The measures increase accountability by allowing courts to recover the costs of caring for abused animals from offenders. Separate legislation also creates a specialist fundraising licence plate to generate additional funding for shelters and spay and neuter programmes.

The bipartisan package has been welcomed by animal welfare organisations as another step towards improving protection for companion animals.

Scotland

Animal Charities Renew Calls For Mandatory Cat Microchipping

Leading animal welfare organisations have renewed calls for compulsory microchipping of pet cats in Scotland, arguing it would improve the chances of lost cats being reunited with their owners and encourage responsible ownership.

Campaigners say mandatory identification would reduce the number of unclaimed cats entering rescue centres and strengthen welfare protections. They are urging the Scottish Government to introduce legislation similar to that already in place elsewhere in the UK.

The Scottish Government has not yet announced whether compulsory microchipping will be introduced.

United States

Texas Opens New Chapter With Purpose-Built Animal Shelter

Construction is set to begin on a new purpose built animal shelter in Sugar Land, Texas, following widespread criticism of an unauthorised euthanasia scandal that prompted a review of local animal services.

The new facility will provide improved accommodation for dogs and cats, including dedicated quarantine areas, expanded veterinary facilities and enhanced adoption spaces designed to improve both animal welfare and public confidence.

Local officials say the investment represents a long-term commitment to delivering higher standards of care for vulnerable animals.

United Kingdom

Government Continues Work On Animal Rescue Licensing

The UK Government has confirmed it is continuing work towards a consultation on the potential licensing of animal rescue and rehoming organisations in England.

Defra says officials are engaging with stakeholders before launching a formal consultation to consider how a licensing system could improve welfare standards, increase consistency across the rescue sector and provide greater public confidence.

If introduced, a licensing framework could represent one of the most significant changes to the regulation of animal rescue organisations in England in recent years.

Italy

Police Rescue Dogs From Illegal Puppy Trafficking Operation

Italian authorities have rescued dozens of puppies during an operation targeting the illegal trafficking of companion animals across national borders.

Investigators allege the puppies were transported without meeting the necessary animal health and welfare requirements before being offered for sale. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to tackle the illegal pet trade, which continues to generate significant profits for organised criminal networks across Europe.

Animal welfare organisations have repeatedly warned that illegally imported puppies often suffer from poor welfare, inadequate veterinary care and the stress of long-distance transport at an early age. They continue to encourage prospective owners to buy only from responsible breeders or adopt through reputable rescue organisations.

The latest operation highlights the importance of cross border cooperation in disrupting the illegal puppy trade and protecting the welfare of vulnerable dogs.

End of Bulletin

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China

Dog Slaughterhouse Linked To Yulin Trade Closes Permanently

One of the slaughterhouses linked to China’s Yulin dog meat trade has permanently closed after its owners joined a livelihood transition programme supported by animal welfare organisations. Campaigners have described the closure as an important milestone, although they stress that the wider dog meat trade has not ended.

The closure follows years of international campaigning against the Yulin trade, which has become a symbol of the wider dog and cat meat industry in parts of Asia. Organisations involved say helping traders transition to alternative livelihoods can reduce reliance on the trade while improving animal welfare.

While many challenges remain, campaigners believe every permanent closure represents tangible progress towards reducing the number of dogs entering the meat trade.

Australia

Former Chief Vet Calls For Faster End To Tasmania Greyhound Racing

A former Greyhound Racing NSW chief veterinarian has urged Tasmania to accelerate its planned phase out of greyhound racing, arguing that welfare concerns cannot be eliminated through regulation alone.

The comments were made as Parliament continues examining the timetable for ending the industry. Animal welfare organisations have long argued that serious injuries and deaths remain an unavoidable consequence of commercial greyhound racing despite improvements in oversight.

The debate is likely to continue as Tasmania considers whether the existing timetable provides adequate protection for racing dogs.

Australia

Australian Council Approves Overnight Cat Curfew

Boroondara Council has approved an overnight cat curfew due to begin in 2027 as part of efforts to reduce wildlife predation by roaming owned cats.

The decision will require owners to keep their cats indoors between sunset and sunrise, with penalties applying where the rules are breached. Supporters say the measure will protect native wildlife and encourage responsible ownership, while critics argue education and support for owners should remain central to improving both wildlife conservation and cat welfare.

The decision reflects a growing international trend towards encouraging cats to remain indoors for their own safety as well as to protect wildlife.

United Kingdom

Experts Renew Warnings Over Extreme Dog Breeding

Veterinary experts have renewed warnings about breeding dogs for exaggerated physical characteristics, particularly flat-faced breeds that are prone to breathing difficulties, eye disease and other chronic health problems.

Animal welfare organisations continue to encourage prospective owners to prioritise health over appearance when choosing a puppy, warning that demand for extreme features fuels breeding practices that can compromise lifelong welfare.

The issue remains a significant concern across the UK as rescue organisations continue caring for increasing numbers of dogs affected by inherited health conditions.

Ukraine

Ukraine Highlights Penalties For Animal Welfare Offences

Authorities in Ukraine have highlighted the legal penalties available for people responsible for neglect or cruelty towards companion animals.

The reminder reinforces existing legislation allowing fines and, in more serious cases, confiscation of animals where welfare standards have not been met. Officials say responsible ownership remains essential to protecting animal welfare and preventing neglect.

The announcement forms part of wider efforts to improve awareness of animal welfare responsibilities.

Singapore

New Pilot Scheme Expands Support For Cat Fosterers

Singapore will introduce a two year pilot scheme from 3 August allowing approved cat fosterers to keep up to six cats in public housing and up to ten in private homes.

The Animal & Veterinary Service said the scheme recognises the important role fosterers play in caring for sick, injured and abandoned cats while helping reduce the number of free roaming cats awaiting permanent homes. Approved fosterers must meet eligibility requirements, ensure cats are sterilised where appropriate and comply with licensing rules.

End of Bulletin

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Philippines

La Trinidad Moves To Strengthen Public Spay And Neuter Programme

Authorities in La Trinidad, Benguet, are considering proposals to place the municipality’s dog and cat spay and neuter programme on a more permanent footing.

A public consultation has been held on proposals surrounding the municipality’s One Town, One Vet programme, which provides sterilisation services as part of efforts to improve responsible ownership and manage dog and cat populations.

Making sterilisation programmes an established part of municipal animal management rather than relying on occasional campaigns can be particularly important in areas experiencing continuing population growth.

Sterilisation requires sustained coverage over time to have a meaningful effect. Individual clinics and one off campaigns can help animals and owners, but long term population management depends on programmes being accessible, adequately funded and consistently delivered.

The development in La Trinidad is therefore significant because it moves the discussion beyond responding to animals already on the streets towards preventing unwanted litters in the first place.

Italy

€40,000 Funding Programme Targets Dog And Cat Overpopulation

Animal welfare organisations working in Central and Southern Italy are being offered new funding specifically for programmes aimed at reducing dog and cat overpopulation.

The first 2026–27 Too Many Puppies funding programme has a total budget of €40,000 and is expected to support six projects involving sterilisation and related preventative work.

The initiative is being promoted by Save the Dogs and Other Animals and Fondazione Squadra 4 Zampe, with the participation of Empethy.

Small and medium sized animal welfare organisations in Lazio, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily can apply.

The programme is intended to support structured sterilisation initiatives alongside measures including microchipping and community education.

Importantly, successful organisations will receive 50% of their funding in advance, reducing the need for smaller groups to finance veterinary procedures themselves while waiting for reimbursement.

Applications close on 4 August, with successful projects expected to operate between October 2026 and June 2027.

Preventing unwanted births is one of the most important tools available for reducing abandonment, street populations and long term pressure on shelters.

Australia

Petition Calls For Mandatory Welfare Standards In Western Australian Pounds

A parliamentary petition calling for mandatory minimum welfare standards in pounds and animal management facilities in Western Australia has closed after attracting hundreds of signatures.

The petition asks the state’s Legislative Council to establish mandatory statewide standards based on recognised principles of animal welfare.

Campaigners argue that animals held in pounds are currently protected by general provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and administrative requirements under dog legislation, but that these do not provide sufficiently detailed enforceable minimum standards governing their care.

The proposal seeks greater protection for animals while they are in the custody of local authorities and animal management facilities.

This is an important distinction. Removing a dog or cat from the street, seizing an animal or placing one in a pound transfers responsibility for that animal’s welfare to the organisation holding it.

Appropriate housing, veterinary treatment, hygiene, exercise, handling and protection from unnecessary distress should therefore be fundamental requirements rather than standards that vary substantially between facilities.

The petition closed on 28 July with 516 recorded signatures.

India

Chhattisgarh Reports More Than 30,000 Street Dogs Sterilised

The government of Chhattisgarh has told the High Court that 30,651 free roaming dogs have been sterilised as authorities expand the state’s Animal Birth Control programme.

The number of operational ABC centres has increased substantially, from six in December 2025 to 34 currently operating through two agencies.

The measures form part of the state’s response to Supreme Court directions concerning dog bite prevention and the management of free roaming dog populations.

Authorities have also reported anti rabies vaccination programmes, the development of dog shelters and measures concerning dogs around public institutions.

The rapid expansion of ABC capacity is significant. Sterilisation and vaccination can provide an evidence based alternative to indiscriminate removal or killing, but numbers alone cannot determine whether a programme is successful.

As ABC programmes increase in scale, welfare standards during capture, transport, surgery, post-operative recovery and release become equally important. Accurate records and appropriate oversight are also necessary to establish whether sterilised dogs are being managed in accordance with the law.

The figures nevertheless demonstrate the scale at which some Indian states are now attempting to develop sterilisation infrastructure.

Malaysia

Concern After Woman Filmed Kicking Free Roaming Cats

Video apparently showing a woman kicking free roaming cats at a rest area in Pahang has generated concern in Malaysia.

The incident reportedly began after young people were feeding cats at the site. Footage circulating online appears to show a woman confronting them before kicking at the animals, with one cat reportedly knocked across the ground.

The incident has renewed discussion around the treatment of community cats and the sometimes contentious issue of feeding free roaming animals.

Whatever disagreements exist over feeding practices or the presence of animals in public areas, physically harming an animal cannot provide a legitimate method of population management.

Community cat populations require structured responses that address reproduction, veterinary care, responsible ownership and abandonment.

Conflict between residents and people caring for animals often develops when no effective management system exists. Humane population management can protect both animal welfare and the interests of the wider community without resorting to violence.

India

National Government Sets Out Measures For Street Dog Management

India’s central government has provided Parliament with an update on measures being taken to manage the country’s large free roaming dog population.

The government’s approach continues to centre on implementation of the Animal Birth Control framework, including sterilisation and anti rabies vaccination, with local authorities responsible for carrying out programmes in their areas.

The update comes as states and municipalities across India expand ABC facilities and respond to continuing concern over dog bites and rabies. Implementation remains one of the central challenges.

India has a national legal framework for managing free roaming dogs, but the effectiveness and welfare standards of individual programmes can vary according to local capacity, veterinary infrastructure, funding and oversight.

Recent developments demonstrate the scale of that challenge. Some authorities are expanding sterilisation programmes substantially, while courts continue to examine how national directions are being implemented.

Managing a population as large and geographically dispersed as India’s free roaming dog population requires sustained sterilisation and vaccination coverage rather than short term interventions.

It also requires humane capture, appropriate veterinary care, proper post operative recovery and transparent monitoring if population management is to protect both animals and communities.

End of Bulletin

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India

Supreme Court Rejects Plea Over Alleged Cruelty In Dog ABC Centres

India’s Supreme Court has declined to entertain a petition seeking directions intended to prevent cruelty to dogs in Animal Birth Control centres and shelters.

The petition sought directions to the Animal Welfare Board of India and authorities across states and Union Territories over compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023, including requirements surrounding the recognition of organisations carrying out ABC programmes.

The Court dismissed the petition on Monday, although the wider question of welfare standards within facilities responsible for capturing, sterilising, vaccinating and housing free roaming dogs remains significant.

India is currently expanding and strengthening street dog management programmes across multiple states following Supreme Court directions concerning public safety, sterilisation, vaccination and management of dogs around sensitive locations.

As the scale of these programmes increases, oversight of the facilities carrying them out will be critical. Population management cannot be considered humane simply because it operates under an ABC programme; capture, transport, surgery, recovery, housing and release must all meet appropriate welfare standards.

USA

North Carolina Animal Shelter Declares Code Red After Running Out Of Space

The Lenoir County SPCA in Kinston, North Carolina, has declared a Code Red after reaching maximum capacity for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.

The shelter says all of its large dog kennels, puppy areas and cat and kitten rooms are full, leaving it urgently seeking adopters, foster carers and other support to create space.

Capacity crises can quickly become serious welfare problems. When shelters are unable to move animals into foster care or permanent homes, their ability to accept further animals from the community becomes increasingly limited.

The situation in Kinston reflects a challenge facing many shelters, capacity is determined not only by the physical number of kennels or cages available, but by staffing, veterinary resources, foster networks and the rate at which animals can safely leave the shelter.

Fostering can provide an important temporary release valve by moving suitable animals into homes while permanent adopters are sought, but longer-term solutions also depend on preventing unwanted litters, supporting responsible ownership and reducing the number of animals entering shelters in the first place.

Malaysia

Animal Welfare Groups Welcome Proposals For Dedicated Welfare Fund

Animal welfare organisations in Malaysia have welcomed proposals for a dedicated animal welfare fund and possible tax incentives intended to support responsible pet ownership.

Groups in Sabah have argued that greater government support could help address some of the financial pressures associated with animal welfare, including veterinary treatment, sterilisation and responsible ownership.

The proposals have emerged as Malaysia continues to debate the management of free roaming dogs and cats and the responsibilities of local authorities, animal welfare organisations and individual owners.

Funding is an important part of that discussion. Sterilisation, vaccination, veterinary treatment, shelters, enforcement and public education all require sustained resources, while rescue organisations frequently carry substantial costs that would otherwise fall to public authorities.

The proposals have been welcomed by welfare organisations, but their eventual impact will depend on what measures are included in the federal budget and how any funding or incentives are structured and implemented.

South Africa

Cape Town Highlights Sterilisation And Microchipping As Animal Welfare Pressure Continues

Sterilisation and microchipping have been highlighted as important tools for reducing animal suffering and pressure on welfare organisations in Cape Town.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis recently visited the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, where he observed a sterilisation programme and the wider work involved in protecting and treating animals.

The organisation argues that accessible sterilisation can help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of dogs and cats entering an already stretched welfare system, while microchipping improves the likelihood that lost animals can be reunited with their owners.

These preventative measures are particularly important in communities where the cost of veterinary care can make sterilisation inaccessible to many households.

Shelters and rescue organisations frequently deal with the consequences when preventative services are unavailable: unwanted litters, abandoned animals, overcrowding and dogs and cats requiring treatment after spending time on the streets.

Investment before animals enter the shelter system can therefore be as important as investment in shelters themselves.

UK

Rescue Appeals For More Cat Foster Homes As Demand For Care Continues

An RSPCA branch covering Halifax, Huddersfield and Bradford has issued an appeal for more people to become foster carers for cats waiting for permanent homes.

The independently funded branch says foster homes can provide temporary care for animals while they await adoption and can be particularly valuable for cats whose individual needs may be better met in a home environment than in a traditional rescue setting.

The organisation is challenging the idea that foster carers need a perfect home, emphasising instead the importance of patience, compassion and willingness to meet an individual animal’s needs.

Foster networks provide shelters with additional capacity without requiring additional physical kennel or cattery space. They can also give rescue organisations valuable information about how an animal behaves in a home, helping them identify an appropriate permanent placement.

As shelters face continuing pressure from unwanted and surrendered animals, foster carers are increasingly becoming an important part of the infrastructure that allows rescue organisations to continue accepting animals in need.

Egypt

National Street Dog Strategy Rejects Poisoning And Mass Killing

Egypt has announced a national strategy for managing its free roaming dog population that includes vaccination and population control while explicitly rejecting poisoning and indiscriminate mass killing.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation has said the programme will prohibit the use of poison, mass culling and unauthorised relocation of free-roaming animals outside designated areas.

Authorities are pursuing a vaccination programme intended to reach approximately 70% of the free roaming dog population, a level associated with controlling transmission of rabies within dog populations.

The strategy also includes sterilisation and the development of designated facilities as authorities attempt to address concerns surrounding both public health and animal welfare.

Egypt’s approach is significant because large free roaming dog populations are often presented as creating a choice between public safety and animal welfare. Effective rabies vaccination, sterilisation, responsible ownership and humane population management demonstrate that these objectives do not have to be treated as opposing priorities.

The crucial question will be implementation. A national policy rejecting poisoning and indiscriminate killing represents an important commitment, but its impact will depend on whether humane standards are consistently followed by authorities at local level.

End of Bulletin

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UAE

Dubai Opens New Animal Shelter And Digital Adoption Platform

Dubai Municipality has opened a new animal welfare shelter in Warsan as part of efforts to improve the care and rehoming of stray and abandoned companion animals.

Located at the Birds and Pets Market, the facility provides veterinary care, rehabilitation and temporary accommodation for animals while suitable permanent homes are sought.

A digital adoption platform has also been introduced, allowing prospective adopters to view animals available for rehoming and supporting the municipality’s efforts to encourage responsible pet ownership.

The development is significant in a region where the management of free roaming and abandoned companion animals remains a continuing animal welfare challenge. Investment in veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and structured adoption provides an alternative to simply removing animals without addressing their longer term welfare.

Cyprus

Paphos Moves Forward With Plans For District Wide Stray Dog Shelter

Plans for a new dog shelter serving the entire Paphos district are moving forward, with local authorities aiming to have the facility operational during 2027.

Representatives from municipalities and communities across the district have been discussing the project alongside Cyprus’s Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare and animal welfare representatives.

The proposed facility would provide temporary accommodation for stray dogs and address the lack of suitable existing shelter capacity in the district.

The government intends to provide €250,000 towards the project.

Authorities say the increasing number of stray dogs has made development of a suitable facility a priority. The involvement of multiple municipalities could also provide a more coordinated approach to managing dogs across the district rather than leaving individual communities to deal with the problem independently.

Italy

New Funding Supports Dogs Rescued From Dogfighting

New government funding in Italy will help meet the costs of caring for animals seized during investigations into illegal dogfighting.

Dogs removed from fighting operations can require extensive veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and long term specialist care before decisions can be made about their futures.

Animal welfare organisations have welcomed recognition of the financial burden associated with caring for animals seized during criminal proceedings.

Removing a dog from an abusive situation is only the beginning of the welfare response. Dogs exploited for fighting may require months or even years of physical and behavioural rehabilitation, making adequate long term funding an important part of effective enforcement against organised animal cruelty.

Germany

Animal Shelters Struggle With Dogs And Cats Requiring Greater Support

Animal shelters in the German state of Saxony are reporting continuing pressure from animals requiring significant behavioural and welfare support.

Shelters traditionally experience additional pressure during the summer holiday period as animals are surrendered or abandoned, although some organisations report that the seasonal increase has been less pronounced this year.

The wider problem has not disappeared. Shelters continue to care for large numbers of cats and dogs, including animals whose behavioural or medical needs make finding appropriate permanent homes considerably more difficult.

Animals requiring substantial rehabilitation can remain in shelters for much longer periods, increasing pressure on kennel space, staff, volunteers and finances.

The situation illustrates why shelter capacity cannot be considered simply in terms of the number of available kennels. The complexity of the animals entering the system, and the resources required to prepare them for successful rehoming, are equally important.

South Africa

Investigation Underway After Cats Found Killed In Mitchells Plain

Animal welfare authorities in South Africa are appealing for information following the discovery of several dead cats near a children’s play area in Harmony Village, Mitchells Plain.

The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the deaths and is seeking information from members of the public who may have witnessed what happened.

The cats were reportedly found with serious injuries, including wounds consistent with dog bites. Authorities have not yet established precisely what happened or who may have been responsible, making it important that speculation about the motive is avoided while the investigation continues.

The case has nevertheless caused considerable concern within the local community and demonstrates the importance of properly investigating suspected deliberate harm to companion and community animals.

Costa Rica

85 Officials Receive Specialist Training To Tackle Wildlife Trafficking

Costa Rica is strengthening its response to wildlife trafficking by training 85 justice and law enforcement officials to investigate environmental offences through an organised crime framework.

The specialist seminar was organised by the country’s Public Prosecutor’s Office together with Humane World for Animals and focused on emerging trends in wildlife trafficking, illegal mining and associated organised criminal activity.

Participants included prosecutors, investigators and other officials responsible for investigating and prosecuting environmental crime.

Wildlife trafficking is increasingly recognised as more than a series of isolated offences involving individual animals. Criminal networks can operate across borders and involve the capture, transport and sale of protected species through organised supply chains.

Strengthening investigative expertise is therefore an important part of animal and wildlife protection. Effective legislation alone cannot prevent trafficking unless authorities also have the skills and resources required to identify networks, investigate offences and successfully prosecute those responsible.

End of Bulletin

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Malaysia

Around 50 Dogs Reportedly Killed In Serial Poisoning Incidents In Kajang

Around 50 dogs are believed to have died following a series of suspected poisoning incidents in the Sungai Chua Industrial Area of Kajang, Malaysia.

The deaths have raised serious concerns over the deliberate poisoning of free roaming dogs and the continuing risks faced by animals living in areas where populations are managed informally or regarded as a nuisance.

The scale of the reported deaths makes the incident particularly concerning. Poisoning causes potentially prolonged suffering and indiscriminate poison also creates risks for owned animals, wildlife and other animals that may come into contact with contaminated food or carcasses.

The case comes amid a wider debate in Malaysia about how local authorities and communities respond to free roaming dog populations, with growing calls for humane population management, sterilisation and greater accountability for the treatment of animals.

Fiji

More Than 2,000 Dogs Sterilised As Government Expands Stray Dog Programme

More than 2,000 dogs have been captured and sterilised in Fiji this year as the Ministry of Agriculture continues efforts to reduce the country’s free roaming dog population.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Dr Andrew Tukana said sterilisation is a key part of the government’s approach, acknowledging that reducing populations through preventing reproduction is a long term process rather than an immediate solution.

The programme involves cooperation between the Ministry, municipalities and animal welfare organisations, alongside efforts to encourage dog owners to license and properly control their animals.

The Ministry says poisoning campaigns are no longer carried out in cities or urban centres. However, Dr Tukana said poisoning may still be considered following requests from farms or farmers in rural areas where dogs are considered a threat to livestock.

While the expansion of sterilisation represents an important move towards preventative population management, the continued possibility of poisoning in rural areas remains an animal welfare concern.

India

Greater Noida Plans 600 Street Dog Sterilisations Every Month

The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority has allocated 2,000 square metres of land near Jalpura Gaushala for a new street dog sterilisation centre, with plans to sterilise and vaccinate 600 dogs every month.

An NGO or animal welfare organisation will be appointed to operate the facility. Under the proposed system, dogs must be humanely captured, sterilised, vaccinated against rabies and returned to the same locations from which they were collected, in accordance with India’s Animal Birth Control Rules.

The programme includes several notable transparency requirements. Dog catching vehicles must carry GPS trackers and cameras recording capture and release operations, while the sterilisation centre itself will have CCTV with footage retained for at least six months.

Public notices must also be displayed before dogs are collected, and each dog will receive a numbered collar linked to its capture record to help ensure it is returned to the correct location.

Philippines

Baguio Renews Warning Over Illegal Dog Meat Trade

Authorities in Baguio City have renewed their opposition to the illegal dog meat trade following the arrest of a man allegedly caught slaughtering three dogs.

The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office reiterated that the city remains committed to enforcing national animal welfare legislation and warned against the slaughter and trade of dogs for meat.

Baguio and the surrounding Cordillera region have long faced concerns over the illegal dog meat trade despite legislation intended to protect dogs from commercial slaughter.

The latest intervention demonstrates the continuing importance of enforcement alongside public education and responsible animal ownership. Effective legislation depends not only on prohibiting the trade but on investigating suspected violations and ensuring that animal welfare protections are consistently applied.

USA

Animal Transport Restrictions Put Additional Pressure On Overcrowded Shelters

New restrictions introduced to prevent the spread of New World screwworm are disrupting the movement of dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters in parts of the United States.

The parasite was detected in the US in June for the first time in decades, and more than 40 cases had been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico in cattle, sheep, goats and three dogs by 22 July.

States have subsequently introduced additional requirements for animals travelling from affected areas or, in some cases, from Texas more broadly. Requirements can include veterinary inspections shortly before travel, entry permits and preventative treatment.

The measures are intended to prevent the spread of the parasite, but rescue organisations say they are increasing costs and complicating transfers from already overcrowded Texas shelters to areas where animals have a greater chance of adoption.

One transport operator who would normally move between 30 and 40 dogs out of Texas each weekend reported that her usual number of transports had been cut roughly in half following the introduction of the restrictions.

The situation also highlights a wider structural problem. Some shelters depend heavily on transferring animals elsewhere because local adoption capacity and resources are insufficient, leaving animals particularly vulnerable when transport networks are disrupted.

Malaysia

Calls Grow For More Humane Management Of Free Roaming Dogs

A renewed debate in Malaysia is calling for public safety and animal welfare to be treated as complementary rather than competing priorities when authorities manage free roaming dogs.

Writing in Focus Malaysia, KT Maran highlighted concerns about dogs being roped, dragged and roughly handled during capture and argued that being homeless should not remove an animal’s entitlement to humane treatment.

The commentary calls for clearer capture procedures, appropriate training, greater transparency and opportunities for independent observation of animal control operations.

It also argues that capture alone cannot provide a lasting solution. Sustained sterilisation and vaccination programmes, action against abandonment and uncontrolled breeding, responsible ownership education and appropriate veterinary treatment for sick or injured captured animals are all identified as necessary parts of population management.

The argument reflects an issue increasingly visible across countries dealing with large free roaming dog populations, protecting public safety does not require abandoning animal welfare standards. Humane capture, sterilisation, vaccination, responsible ownership and accountable local authorities can form part of the same population-management strategy.

End of Bulletin

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India

Delhi High Court Demands Answers Over Implementation Of Supreme Court Street Dog Directions

The Delhi High Court has begun examining how authorities are implementing Supreme Court directions relating to free roaming dogs, directing the Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi to provide details of the action they have taken.

The proceedings place renewed scrutiny on the way street dog policy is being translated into practice at municipal level, an issue that has become increasingly important as authorities across India respond to pressure surrounding dog populations and public safety.

For animal welfare organisations and community carers, implementation remains critical. Measures carried out in the name of compliance must still operate within India’s legal framework for humane dog population management and provide appropriate standards of handling, sterilisation, vaccination and care.

Macau

Animal Welfare Group Calls For Sterilise And Return As Shelter Reaches Almost Double Intended Capacity

The Macau Animal Protection Association, ANIMA, is calling for authorities to reconsider the territory’s approach to free roaming animals and allow a Trap Neuter Return model as pressure on shelters continues to grow.

ANIMA says its dog shelter, originally designed for around 200 animals, is now caring for approximately 350. Under Macau’s current Animal Protection Law, returning a stray animal to the location where it was found can be treated as abandonment, meaning dogs taken from the streets generally have to remain within the shelter system.

ANIMA president Zoe Tang argues that this contributes directly to overcrowding and that sterilisation followed by responsible return could help control reproduction without requiring every free-roaming animal to remain permanently confined.

The organisation says abandonment and continued breeding of unsterilised animals are adding to the pressure, while adoption numbers remain too low to balance the number of animals entering care.

India

Government Reaffirms Sterilisation And Vaccination As Basis Of Humane Street Dog Management

India’s central government has told the Rajya Sabha that the Animal Birth Control Rules 2023 remain the statutory framework for the humane and scientific management of street dogs.

The government highlighted sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination as central elements of population management and said states can receive support for the development of dog shelters, animal shelters and Animal Birth Control centres under its 2026–27 capital investment arrangements.

Authorities have also been instructed to implement the Animal Birth Control programme following Supreme Court directions issued on 19 May.

The statement is significant at a time when approaches to free roaming dogs are diverging considerably between states and municipalities. What happens at local level, and whether sterilisation, vaccination and humane handling genuinely remain at the centre of implementation, will therefore continue to require scrutiny.

India

Animal Welfare Board Calls For Protection Of Stray Animals During Monsoon

The Animal Welfare Board of India has issued an advisory asking authorities to provide temporary shelter and safeguards for stray animals during the monsoon season.

The advisory, dated 14 July, comes as heavy rainfall creates additional risks for free roaming animals through flooding, loss of shelter and exposure to dangerous traffic and infrastructure.

It is an important reminder that street animal management is not only about population numbers. Animals already living within communities remain dependent on humane local responses during extreme weather, particularly where the places they normally shelter or feed become inaccessible.

Brazil

Angra Dos Reis Opens New Round Of Free Dog And Cat Sterilisation

Authorities in Angra dos Reis are opening applications for another round of free sterilisation surgeries for dogs and cats during August.

Applications are due to open online on 28 July, with healthy animals between three months and eight years old eligible for the programme. Animals living in temporary foster homes can also be included.

The programme forms part of the municipality’s animal welfare work and offers another example of investment in preventative population management rather than allowing uncontrolled breeding to place increasing pressure on streets, shelters and rescuers.

Accessible sterilisation remains one of the most effective long-term tools available to authorities seeking to reduce abandonment and manage dog and cat populations sustainably.

India

More Than 30,000 Street Dogs Sterilised In Chhattisgarh As ABC Programme Expands

The Chhattisgarh government has told the High Court that 30,651 street dogs have been sterilised as authorities expand the state’s Animal Birth Control programme.

According to information submitted to the court, the number of operational ABC centres has risen from six in December 2025 to 34, alongside anti-rabies vaccination, shelter provision and measures relating to public institutions.

The figures demonstrate the scale that sterilisation programmes can reach when infrastructure and resources are expanded. They also underline why properly managed Animal Birth Control programmes remain so important in the wider debate around street dogs.

Large-scale, sustained sterilisation and vaccination programmes address population growth and rabies risk without relying on repeated cycles of removal that simply move animals from one place to another while leaving the causes of street dog populations unresolved.

End of Bulletin

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Mexico

Proposal To Fine People For Feeding Street Dogs Sparks Debate

A proposal to impose fines on people who provide food or water to free-roaming dogs has sparked controversy in Mexico, drawing responses from legislators and raising wider questions about how authorities manage street dog populations. Critics argue that penalising people who provide basic care does nothing to address the underlying causes of abandonment and uncontrolled breeding and that authorities should instead prioritise sterilisation and responsible population management.

Spain

Almansa Municipal Shelter Launches Monthly Free Adoption Weeks

The municipal animal shelter in Almansa has introduced a scheme offering one week each month in which animals can be adopted without adopters having to cover the usual vaccination, microchipping and sterilisation costs. The initiative aims to encourage more dogs and cats to leave the shelter for permanent homes while reducing barriers for people considering adoption.

Spain

Three Municipalities Join Forces To Improve Management Of Free-Roaming Cat Colonies

The municipalities of Elda, Algueña and Hondón de las Nieves are working together on a coordinated approach to managing free-roaming cat colonies through Trap-Neuter-Return programmes. The authorities have jointly applied for funding to expand sterilisation and improve colony management, while also providing training for volunteers involved in caring for the cats. In Algueña alone, around 250 unowned cats have been identified, highlighting the challenges smaller municipalities can face in managing free roaming populations humanely.

Chile

Villa Alemana Holds Dog And Cat Sterilisation Programme

A municipal sterilisation initiative for male and female dogs and cats is taking place in Villa Alemana, providing local residents with access to preventative population management services. The programme forms part of efforts to promote responsible animal guardianship while helping to prevent uncontrolled breeding and reduce the number of unwanted animals.

Peru

Jesús María Launches July Dog And Cat Sterilisation Campaign

A dog and cat sterilisation campaign is running in Jesús María from 20 to 30 July, providing local residents with access to preventative veterinary services. The initiative aims to support responsible animal guardianship and reduce uncontrolled breeding through sterilisation rather than allowing unwanted animal populations to increase.

Spain

Concerns Raised Over Conditions At Palma Animal Shelter

Workers at the Son Reus animal shelter in Palma have raised concerns over staffing shortages, inadequate resources and conditions they say are affecting both employees and the animals in their care. The UGT union has called on Palma City Council to address working conditions at the facility, while concerns have also been raised that some kennels do not adequately meet animal welfare needs. Around 100 dogs and cats are reportedly being cared for at the shelter while awaiting adoption.

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Brazil

New Free Sterilisation Schedule Announced For Dogs And Cats In Federal District

Authorities in Brazil’s Federal District have announced a new schedule of free sterilisation services for dogs and cats during July and August. Animals must first be registered through the national SinPatinhas system, with appointments made in advance. The programme provides another example of investment in preventative population management and improved access to sterilisation as part of efforts to reduce uncontrolled breeding and abandonment.

United Kingdom

Animal Hoarding Cases Reportedly Rise By 70%

New figures reported by the RSPCA indicate a significant increase in animal hoarding cases, with more than 88,000 animals reportedly rescued from overcrowded properties since 2021. Cases can involve dozens or even hundreds of animals living in unsuitable conditions, placing considerable pressure on animal welfare organisations carrying out large scale rescue operations.

United States

Phoenix Strengthens Rules On Tethering Dogs Outdoors

Phoenix has introduced stricter rules governing the tethering of dogs, requiring animals tethered outdoors to be under direct supervision in addition to existing restrictions relating to extreme temperatures. The changes are intended to strengthen protections for dogs and reduce the risks associated with unsafe tethering, particularly during Arizona’s extreme summer heat.

United Kingdom

Greyhound Welfare Concerns Renew Calls For Racing Reform

Animal welfare organisations have renewed concerns over the treatment of racing greyhounds, with recently reported figures showing that 161 dogs were euthanised during 2025. Campaigners have also highlighted concerns surrounding racing injuries and the welfare of dogs after they leave the industry, adding to continuing calls for stronger protections and an end to greyhound racing.

United States

Calls For Stronger Animal Protection Laws Following Rescue Of 155 Animals In New York

Calls have been made for stronger animal welfare protections after 153 cats and two dogs were removed from an overcrowded property in Glen Cove, Long Island. The case has prompted discussion about whether authorities need stronger legal mechanisms to intervene earlier when large numbers of animals are being kept in deteriorating conditions.

Brazil

Curitiba Continues Free Sterilisation Programme For Dogs And Cats

Curitiba’s Animal Protection Network is continuing its programme of free sterilisation for dogs and cats, with further sterilisation activity taking place during July. The programme forms part of the city’s wider approach to responsible animal population management, providing access to preventative veterinary care while helping to reduce uncontrolled breeding and abandonment.

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Romania

Calls To End Euthanasia Of Healthy Dogs After 14 Days In Public Shelters

Proposed changes to Romania’s legislation governing free roaming dogs have renewed calls for an end to provisions allowing healthy dogs to be euthanised after spending 14 days in a public shelter. Hilde Tudora, director of the Ilfov County Animal Protection Directorate, has argued that a new national approach should instead prioritise compulsory sterilisation and stronger penalties for people who abandon dogs, amid continuing concerns over the country’s management of free-roaming animals and conditions within public shelters.

Türkiye

New 240-Dog Facility Opens As Nationwide Street Dog Collections Continue

Ataşehir Municipality has opened a new so called natural life area with capacity for approximately 240 dogs as Türkiye continues the mass removal of free roaming dogs from streets and communities. While the facility is being presented as an expansion of local animal care capacity, its opening comes within the wider context of the country’s nationwide collection programme, which has already raised serious concerns over shelter capacity, overcrowding and the long term fate of dogs once removed. With municipalities under pressure to collect free roaming dogs, the continued expansion of facilities does not address the fundamental welfare concerns surrounding the policy itself or the risks faced by dogs being taken from familiar communities and placed into lifelong confinement.

Türkiye

Dogs Found Dead In Didim Reportedly Still Recorded As Alive

New questions have emerged in Didim after two dead dogs discovered in an area containing animal graves were reportedly found to be recorded as alive when their microchips were checked against the animal registration system. The allegations add to existing concerns surrounding the discovery of buried dogs in the area and raise further questions about record keeping, accountability and what happened to animals taken into municipal care.

Romania

Country’s First Social Veterinary Hospital Opens For Stray And Vulnerable Animals

Romania’s first Social Veterinary Hospital has opened in Tărtășești, providing free veterinary care for free-roaming animals and animals belonging to people in vulnerable circumstances. Operated by the Sache association, the initiative aims to improve access to veterinary treatment for animals that might otherwise struggle to receive essential care.

Brazil

São Paulo Expands Free Sterilisation And Veterinary Care

São Paulo state is expanding mobile sterilisation campaigns and free veterinary services across five regions. The programme combines sterilisation initiatives with the Pet Contêiner scheme, which provides free veterinary care in multiple locations, increasing access to preventative treatment while supporting humane approaches to animal population management.

Brazil

Municipality Introduces New Animal Welfare Policy Following Public Prosecutor Investigation

Chapadão do Sul has introduced a municipal animal welfare policy following an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office into the absence of adequate local legislation. The new framework includes measures covering the sterilisation and microchipping of dogs and cats alongside action to prevent animal cruelty, creating a more structured approach to animal protection and population management within the municipality.

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Morocco

Animal Welfare Organisation Raises Concerns Over New Stray Animal Law

The Humane Society of Morocco has raised concerns following the adoption of legislation governing the management of free roaming animals. While the new framework includes provisions relating to shelters, sterilisation, vaccination and a national animal database, animal welfare advocates have warned about aspects of the legislation and its potential impact on those working to protect and care for animals on the streets.

Egypt

Government Launches National Street Dog Management Plan

Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced the implementation of a national plan for managing free roaming animals, reaffirming sterilisation, rabies vaccination and Trap Neuter Return as the country’s official approach to street dog population management. Authorities have also warned against poisoning and indiscriminate mass killing, presenting humane population control as the alternative to lethal methods.

Türkiye

Government Claims More Than 92% Of Free-Roaming Animals Are Now In Shelters And Natural Habitats

Türkiye’s Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi has claimed that 92.35% of the country’s free roaming animals are now being kept in shelters and so called natural life areas. The government says it intends to remove all remaining free roaming animals from the streets by the end of the year, as the nationwide collection programme continues amid serious concerns from animal welfare organisations about capacity and the fate of dogs removed from their communities.

Romania

New County Dog Shelter Project Moves Forward In Alba

Plans for a new shelter for free roaming dogs in Câlnic, Alba County, have moved forward following an environmental decision for the project. The proposed facility, reportedly representing an investment of more than €1 million, is intended to increase accommodation capacity for dogs collected from the streets.

France

Animal Welfare Organisation Opposes Killing Of Free Roaming Dogs In Overseas Territories

The 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation has spoken out against proposals concerning the killing of free roaming dogs as a means of population control in French overseas territories. The organisation is calling for authorities to prioritise humane and sustainable measures, including sterilisation, rather than lethal population management.

Brazil

Aracaju Expands Free Veterinary Care After More Than 2,000 Animals Treated

Aracaju’s municipal Aju Animal programme has provided more than 2,000 veterinary consultations since services began and is expanding access to free veterinary care. The programme provides support for dogs and cats whose guardians meet eligibility requirements, improving access to treatment for animals that might otherwise go without essential veterinary care.

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Kazakhstan

Euthanasia Of Stray Dogs For Population Control Becomes Legal

Amendments to Kazakhstan’s responsible animal treatment legislation have come into force, permitting the euthanasia of stray dogs as a means of regulating their numbers. The change marks a significant development in the country’s approach to free roaming dog population management and raises serious animal welfare concerns over the potential use of killing as a population control measure.

Türkiye

Animal Welfare Groups Oppose Pressure To Collect Dogs In Sinop Without Adequate Shelters

The Sinop Animal Rights Platform has raised concerns over the collection of free roaming dogs, arguing that municipalities are facing pressure to remove animals despite insufficient shelter infrastructure. Campaigners have also alleged welfare violations during collection operations and warned that removing dogs without adequate facilities in place does not provide a humane or sustainable solution.

Romania

Man Reportedly Fined 12,000 Lei For Abandoning A Dog

A man in Romania has reportedly been fined 12,000 lei after abandoning a dog in a field near a national road. The case highlights the legal consequences of animal abandonment and the role of enforcement in holding owners accountable for leaving animals without care.

United States

Massachusetts House Passes Animal Welfare Legislation

The Massachusetts House has passed legislation aimed at strengthening protections for animals, including measures addressing the removal of animals in neglect cases and provisions affecting pets in public housing. The legislation must progress further before becoming law but represents a positive step towards strengthening animal welfare protections in the state.

Mexico

Abandoned Dogs Reportedly Facing Serious Welfare Crisis In Huitzilac

Animal rescuers in Huitzilac, Morelos, have raised concerns over the continued abandonment of dogs in the area, including animals reportedly brought from Mexico City and Cuernavaca. Rescuers say dogs are being left in rural and roadside locations where they face hunger, illness and other serious welfare risks, placing increasing pressure on those attempting to provide food and care.

Mexico

Quintana Roo Publishes New Guidance For Protecting Animals During Disasters

Authorities in Quintana Roo have published new guidance for establishing temporary shelters for companion animals during emergencies and disasters. The guidance is intended to help ensure dogs, cats and other companion animals can be accommodated safely during emergency situations, recognising the importance of including animals in disaster preparedness and response planning.

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Israel

New Adoption App Helps Match Shelter Dogs And Cats With Families

An Israeli animal welfare organisation has launched a new swipe-style adoption platform designed to help shelter dogs and cats find suitable homes. The app matches potential adopters with animals based on compatibility and lifestyle, with the aim of improving successful adoptions, reducing the number of animals returned to shelters and helping more dogs and cats leave shelters permanently.

South Korea

Abandoned Animal Numbers Fall As Pet Registration Reaches Record Levels

South Korea has reported a 10.4% decrease in the number of lost and abandoned animals during 2025, while the number of registered companion animals has reached a record 3.67 million. The Ministry of Agriculture also reported an increase in the number of animal shelters to 236, with officials highlighting continued efforts to strengthen responsible ownership, improve traceability and support animal welfare.

Brazil

Municipality Expands Humane Population Management Programme

The municipality of Cascavel has launched its Julho Dourado programme to expand sterilisation services for free-roaming and community dogs and cats. The initiative aims to carry out around 500 sterilisations while using a Capture, Sterilise, Assisted Recovery and Return approach to reduce populations humanely and improve long-term animal welfare.

Poland

National Dog And Cat Register Moves Closer To Implementation

Poland continues preparations for the introduction of its National Register of Identified Dogs and Cats (KROPiK). The new system will combine compulsory identification with a central database designed to improve traceability, reunite lost animals with their owners more quickly and support efforts to reduce abandonment.

Chile

New Identification Rules Introduced For Dogs And Cats Entering The Country

Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service has announced new identification requirements for dogs and cats entering the country. From 27 July, animals must have permanent identification by microchip or tattoo recorded on their veterinary documentation, strengthening traceability and supporting animal health controls.

Colombia

Bogotá Launches Digital Adoption Platform For Dogs And Cats

Bogotá’s Institute for Animal Protection and Welfare has introduced a new digital adoption platform designed to make it easier for rescued dogs and cats to find permanent homes. Officials hope the system will streamline the adoption process, improve adoption success rates and reduce the length of time animals spend in shelters.

End of Bulletin

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United States

Dog Trainer Jailed After Deaths Of Eleven Dogs

A California dog trainer has been sentenced to 11 years and 10 months in prison after being convicted over the deaths of 11 dogs left in his care. Prosecutors said eight dogs died from heat stroke and one from blunt force trauma, while some of the animals were cremated in an attempt to conceal how they died. Following the sentencing, several owners have spoken publicly about the devastating loss of pets they had entrusted to the trainer, describing the case as a profound betrayal of trust.

United States

California Bill Would Reduce Time Seized Animals Spend In Shelters

California lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow animals seized during cruelty investigations to be transferred to rescue organisations or foster homes much sooner, rather than remaining in shelters throughout lengthy court proceedings. Animal welfare organisations say the proposal would improve welfare outcomes for animals while reducing pressure on already overcrowded shelters.

United States

Investigation Finds Serious Failings At Pennsylvania Animal Shelter

A lengthy investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General has concluded that the Montgomery County SPCA breached state non profit laws and identified significant failings in the organisation’s management and animal care. Investigators found evidence of unnecessary euthanasia and failures to use charitable resources appropriately, leading to reforms and renewed calls for stronger oversight of animal welfare organisations.

United Kingdom

Former Crufts Winner Banned After Dozens Of Dogs Found Neglected

A former Crufts winner has been banned from keeping animals after 77 dogs were discovered living in poor conditions. The court heard that many of the dogs were severely underweight, suffering from untreated health problems and living in overcrowded accommodation. The case has prompted renewed discussion about welfare standards and accountability within the pedigree dog breeding community.

Hong Kong

More Than 900 Restaurants And Cafés Now Welcome Dogs

Hong Kong has expanded opportunities for people to dine with their dogs after relaxing long-standing restrictions on animals in restaurants. More than 900 licensed eateries are now participating under the new arrangements, with businesses introducing guidance aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership while creating a more dog-friendly city.

Indonesia

Jakarta Expands Sterilisation Programme As Cat Population Reaches 300,000

Officials in Jakarta estimate there are around 300,000 free-roaming cats across the capital. Rather than relying on widespread removal, authorities say they intend to expand sterilisation and Trap-Neuter-Return programmes as part of a long-term strategy to reduce numbers humanely while improving animal welfare.

End of Bulletin

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Türkiye

Animal Welfare Groups Protest As Dog Collections Expand Across İzmir

Animal welfare organisations gathered in İzmir to protest what they say is a significant increase in the collection of free-roaming dogs across the province. Campaigners alleged dogs have been removed from university campuses, parks, hospitals and other public spaces following a recent meeting between the Governor’s Office and local municipalities. Protesters argued that healthy dogs are being collected before sufficient long-term shelter capacity is available and vowed they would not allow İzmir to become a graveyard for dogs.

HAYTAP Criticises İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Over Dog Collections

HAYTAP’s İzmir representative, Esin Önder, has criticised İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay, alleging that free-roaming dogs cared for by volunteers are already being collected despite new shelter facilities not yet being completed. Önder claimed collection operations accelerated following a meeting at the Governor’s Office and questioned whether commitments made before the local elections had been honoured.

İzmir Continues Construction Of 2,500-Dog Animal Care Centre

İzmir Metropolitan Municipality is continuing construction of a major animal care facility in Dikili with capacity for up to 2,500 dogs. The centre will include veterinary treatment, surgery, rehabilitation units and extensive outdoor exercise areas, and is expected to serve both Dikili and neighbouring districts as municipalities expand their animal management infrastructure.

Ordu Mayor Alleges Dogs Are Being Dumped Across District Boundaries

Speaking during an Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Council meeting, Akkuş Mayor İsa Demirci alleged that neighbouring districts are transporting dogs into his district and abandoning them in forested areas. He said the animals later enter towns in search of food after being left in unfamiliar surroundings. Ordu Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Hilmi Güler responded that municipalities have a legal responsibility to implement the country’s stray dog legislation while the Metropolitan Municipality continues providing veterinary services.

End of Bulletin

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Spain

Municipal Shelter Operator Steps Down Following Welfare Concerns

The company responsible for managing Badajoz’s municipal animal shelter has announced it will withdraw from operating the facility following sustained criticism from animal welfare organisations, campaigners and local political parties. Allegations surrounding hygiene, overcrowding, access to water and shade, and overall welfare standards have intensified calls for stronger oversight of municipally managed shelters and greater accountability for contracted operators.

Romania

Undercover Investigation Exposes Conditions In Public Dog Shelters

An undercover investigation by Four Paws has uncovered what the organisation describes as systemic neglect within Romania’s publicly funded dog shelters. Investigators documented overcrowded enclosures, untreated injuries, inadequate hygiene and high mortality rates across multiple facilities, prompting renewed calls for greater transparency and increased investment in sterilisation and preventative population management rather than long-term sheltering.

Indonesia

Jakarta Expands Sterilisation Plans As Free Roaming Cat Population Reaches 300,000

Officials in Jakarta estimate there are around 300,000 free-roaming cats across the capital. Rather than relying on widespread removal, authorities say they intend to expand sterilisation and Trap Neuter Return programmes as part of a long-term strategy to reduce numbers humanely while improving animal welfare.

Thailand

New Municipal Shelter Opens To Support Dog And Cat Welfare

Nan Municipality has opened a new shelter for free-roaming dogs and cats as part of its wider animal management programme. Local officials say the facility will work alongside sterilisation initiatives and provide temporary care for animals requiring treatment or assessment.

Hong Kong

More Than 900 Restaurants And Cafés Now Welcome Dogs

Hong Kong has expanded opportunities for people to dine with their dogs after relaxing long-standing restrictions on animals in restaurants. More than 900 licensed eateries are now participating, with businesses introducing guidance aimed at promoting responsible ownership while making the city increasingly dog friendly.

Kazakhstan

New Urban Rules Require Dog Walking Areas

New urban management regulations that came into force this month require settlements across Kazakhstan to provide designated dog walking areas while reinforcing owners’ responsibilities to clean up after their pets. The changes form part of wider standards governing the management of public spaces and companion animals.

End of Bulletin

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