Egypt to Launch Nationwide Stray Dog Sterilization Campaign to Curb Issues
Egypt is launching a nationwide sterilization and vaccination campaign to address rising stray dog populations, which have caused noise, attacks, and rabies risks. The goal is to achieve a "rabies-free Egypt by 2030," replacing previous culling methods with more humane population control.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 14:16
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Central News Agency (CNA) reporter Shih Wan-ching, Cairo, May 22. In recent years, the number of stray dogs across Egypt has increased, leading to frequent issues such as dogs chasing cars, attacking children, and causing noise pollution at night. To address this, the Egyptian government will launch a nationwide stray dog sterilization and vaccination campaign to achieve the goal of a "rabies-free Egypt by 2030."
According to the Daily News Egypt, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly recently announced the initiative in response to growing public complaints.
The government will provide land, veterinary staff, vehicles, and medicine, with the General Organization for Veterinary Services establishing shelters and sterilization centers in every governorate.
Stray dog issues have sparked social debate in Egypt over the past two years. Cairo and the Red Sea tourist city of Hurghada have frequently made headlines due to the prevalence of street dogs. Tourists have complained about being chased in resort areas and near the pyramids, trash being scattered by dogs, and noise disturbances.
In suburban residential areas and new satellite cities in Cairo, incidents of children being bitten by stray dogs also occur from time to time.
The Al-Ahram newspaper reported in April that the government has been promoting the importance of rabies vaccinations, having vaccinated 121,000 stray dogs and performed sterilization surgeries on 8,311 dogs last year.
Cairo residents are increasingly concerned about the large number of stray dogs. Ahmed, a Cairo resident, told CNA, "I often see dogs chasing motorcycles on the street. It's dangerous and makes children afraid to walk by."
Amina, who owns two dogs, believes that human abandonment is the main cause of the increase. She noted that most stray dogs are afraid of people and do not approach them without reason. She believes that simple culling is ineffective as they quickly reproduce, and that establishing a sterilization and adoption system is a better solution.
Animal rights activists have previously criticized the government's use of poison or shooting to clear stray dogs, calling it cruel and ineffective. Amina believes the new government initiative is, to some extent, a move to address the controversy surrounding past culling policies.
According to the Daily News Egypt, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly recently announced the initiative in response to growing public complaints.
The government will provide land, veterinary staff, vehicles, and medicine, with the General Organization for Veterinary Services establishing shelters and sterilization centers in every governorate.
Stray dog issues have sparked social debate in Egypt over the past two years. Cairo and the Red Sea tourist city of Hurghada have frequently made headlines due to the prevalence of street dogs. Tourists have complained about being chased in resort areas and near the pyramids, trash being scattered by dogs, and noise disturbances.
In suburban residential areas and new satellite cities in Cairo, incidents of children being bitten by stray dogs also occur from time to time.
The Al-Ahram newspaper reported in April that the government has been promoting the importance of rabies vaccinations, having vaccinated 121,000 stray dogs and performed sterilization surgeries on 8,311 dogs last year.
Cairo residents are increasingly concerned about the large number of stray dogs. Ahmed, a Cairo resident, told CNA, "I often see dogs chasing motorcycles on the street. It's dangerous and makes children afraid to walk by."
Amina, who owns two dogs, believes that human abandonment is the main cause of the increase. She noted that most stray dogs are afraid of people and do not approach them without reason. She believes that simple culling is ineffective as they quickly reproduce, and that establishing a sterilization and adoption system is a better solution.
Animal rights activists have previously criticized the government's use of poison or shooting to clear stray dogs, calling it cruel and ineffective. Amina believes the new government initiative is, to some extent, a move to address the controversy surrounding past culling policies.
FAQ
What is Egypt's policy on stray dogs?
They are launching a nationwide sterilization and vaccination campaign.