Dog Desk News Bulletin | 2 April 2026
Verified reports on animal welfare incidents and policy developments
UK: 13 Young Dogs Rescued After Being Dumped on Remote Road
Cambridgeshire, UK
Thirteen young dogs were rescued after being dumped on a rural road near Doddington. Eleven were recovered on the first night, with two more found over the following days, including one that was dehydrated and alone. The dogs, believed to be under one year old, were described as frightened and traumatised. All are now in foster care. No arrests have been reported.
Pakistan: Legal Petition Calls for Large-Scale Stray Dog Elimination
Lahore, Pakistan
A legal petition has been filed calling for the large-scale elimination of stray dogs following rising public health concerns. The case reflects increasing pressure on authorities to take visible action, with culling now being raised within formal legal channels.
Morocco: Reports of Dog Killings Continue Amid International Scrutiny
Morocco
Recent reporting confirms that stray dogs are being shot and poisoned in urban areas including Marrakech and Ifrane, with verified footage of culling operations emerging as international scrutiny increases.
The actions have been linked to public health measures and preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, though authorities have denied the existence of a coordinated mass culling policy.
The situation remains contested, with ongoing reports indicating that killing operations are continuing across multiple locations.
The case reflects continued use of lethal population control methods reported at city level despite official denials.
India: Authorities Investigate Cruelty During Dog Control Operations in Jaipur
Jaipur
Authorities are investigating allegations of animal cruelty during stray dog control operations after a video showed dogs being handled in an inhumane manner. The footage prompted public concern over the methods used during capture procedures carried out under animal birth control programmes.
The Jaipur Municipal Corporation has issued a notice to the NGO responsible, citing potential violations of welfare regulations and operational standards. The organisation has been asked to respond to the allegations.
No further action has been confirmed at this stage.
The case highlights ongoing concerns around oversight and handling practices within dog population control systems.
Iraq: Authorities Continue Large-Scale Culling of Stray Dogs in Baghdad
Baghdad, Iraq
Authorities in Baghdad have carried out large-scale campaigns to reduce stray dog populations, with official figures indicating that more than 19,000 dogs were killed over the course of 2025. The operations were conducted through coordinated municipal efforts involving hundreds of campaigns across the city.
The culling programmes are part of ongoing measures to address rising concerns around dog attacks and rabies, with municipal and veterinary authorities working together to implement control strategies.
Culling remains a primary method of population control in the city, with operations continuing as part of routine management efforts.
The case reflects a structured, state-led approach to stray dog control, where lethal measures remain embedded within official policy and practice.
Pakistan: Rabies Death in Karachi Prompts Calls for Dog Culling
Karachi, Pakistan
A recent rabies-related death in Karachi has led to renewed calls for stronger measures to control stray dog populations. Medical experts and officials have urged authorities to take immediate action, including the potential use of humane culling as a last resort.
The case has intensified concerns over rising dog-bite incidents and gaps in rabies prevention, with pressure mounting on authorities to implement visible control measures.
No new culling operations have been formally confirmed at this stage.
The incident highlights how public health crises can rapidly shift policy discussions toward lethal control measures.
Egypt: National Programme Expands Vaccination and Sterilisation of Stray Dogs
Egypt
Authorities have expanded a national programme focused on vaccinating and sterilising stray dogs as part of efforts to reduce rabies. The initiative includes large-scale campaigns and the development of shelters outside urban areas.
The programme is being implemented alongside rising public concern over dog-bite incidents.
The case reflects a policy-led approach to population control focused on non-lethal methods.
Pakistan: Court Rulings Challenge Ongoing Dog Culling Practices in Punjab
Pujab, Pakistan
Court rulings in Punjab have placed restrictions on the culling of stray dogs, stating that healthy animals should not be killed. Despite this, reports indicate that culling practices, including poisoning and shooting, have continued in some areas.
The situation has created tension between legal directives and on-the-ground enforcement.
The case reflects ongoing reliance on lethal control methods despite judicial intervention.
Romania: Authorities Remove Dogs from Abusive Private Shelter
Romania
Authorities removed more than 200 dogs from a private shelter following allegations of poor conditions and neglect. The animals were relocated after inspections raised concerns about welfare standards at the facility.
The case is under investigation, with potential legal consequences for those responsible.
The incident highlights risks associated with unregulated shelters and oversight gaps.
End of bulletin