Torture and Murder of Dogs In Iraq Prevention

The shotgun blast rips into the stray dog's midsection, sending it tumbling over and over. Agonizing yelps echo through the streets as it tries to reach and bite at the gaping wound. Minutes later, the dog is dead.

A few miles away, a puppy eats a piece of poisoned meat. Its body starts to twitch and spasm as the toxins kick in. It dies within 15 minutes.

The two strays were among the thousands that roam the streets of Baghdad. Authorities have been killing them since November, trying to prevent the spread of disease and attacks on residents.

The Baghdad dog-culling program comprises two vets, a council official and a police officer armed with a shotgun. The vets distribute bits of meat poisoned with strychnine. If the poison doesn't kill the dogs, the police officer steps in with the shotgun.

This is absolutely inhumane and disgusting. Dogs are man's best friend and if our fellow human beings are actually doing this, how long before monstrosity overcomes us all?

There may be many stray dogs, but other techniques such as sterilization, vaccination and therapy are available.

Please try to take all measures possible to stop this heartless murder.