Write to the editor

OVER many months, I have watched Fathiya Bastaki build a loyal following. She has single-handedly worked to shed light and awareness about the problem of Bahrain’s strays (Editor’s note: as first highlighted on the cover of GulfWeekly in 2013).

She has managed to form a team of volunteers that brave the heat to ensure that the strays are protected, fed and given water.

It is high time this lady is further acknowledged, not only for her compassion, but also for her commitment that stray dogs around the island are not ignored and left to die.

Fathiya has taken on irresponsible pet owners, pet shops, abusers and even people who have accused strays of being aggressive or killing farm animals. This admirable task has so far not got the attention of officials, although she has managed to raise awareness of issues related to animal cruelty.

People around the world have access to her social media accounts and she continues to showcase the country in a positive light.

Fathiya and her group of volunteers have built a network that reports abandoned or lost dogs, which are rescued, taken for medical treatment, neutered and eventually either re-released, fostered, returned to the owners or adopted. Her expenses are covered through donations.

Ahmed Sharaf, the founder of Tails Clinic, has been remarkable in offering his services, together with his veterinarian partner at Tails, Dr Ahmed. The clinic, located in Mahooz, collects donations into an account to cover the cost of treatment.

Bahrain has strays purely because pet owners either abandon them when they’re no longer cute puppies or kittens, are leaving the island, or for other invalid reasons.

To abandon a pet on the streets, leaving them to fend for themselves is irresponsible and cruel. Some of these frightened animals end up as bait in organised dog fights, others are locked into small cages and sold at local markets, while the rest roam around looking for food and shelter.

Fathiya and her team tackle all the issues and I hope she is commended for her dedication and sincere kindness.

It would be a blessing if authorities could support this incredible Bahraini woman and her team to carry out this much-needed compassionate work and provide a no-kill shelter.

Not only does she need support, perhaps Bahrain can seriously look into making it compulsory for dog owners to register and get licenses for each dog which must be chipped and should they leave the island, make it the owner’s responsibility to prove to the appropriate authority that their pet is well taken care of.

Private breeding of dogs must come with a massive fine and pet shops should be monitored closely to sell registered and licensed pets only and they must supply details of people buying pets.

Shops selling pets must prove that they have adequate space for the animal and that it is provided with enough food and water as well as be properly trained in looking after them.

The dog-fighting ring in Bahrain is gruesome and hopefully when officials speak to Fathiya, that too can be closed down.

Bahrain has a long history of animal welfare which is evident from Al Areen and the Animal Show. However, many of the rules and regulations are not always implemented, causing animals to suffer.

Fathiya sheds light on qualities that many of us have forgotten. She is the voice of these animals and she has shone light on their plight at the hands of irresponsible owners. Not only do we owe her gratitude but, as a society, we owe her our heartfelt support to keep Bahrain in the top tier of animal welfare.

Sally Saar ,
By email.