Packs of stray dogs from Gaza Strip roaming around Israeli border communities
(Video: Kobi Sofer, Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable rise in packs of stray dogs within and around Gaza border communities. These dogs have entered Israel from the Gaza Strip, raising concerns about the potential spread of diseases and the risk of harm to humans and other animals.
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Ynet has received footage of stray dogs near Kibbutz Erez, inside Kibbutz Re'im and in Kibbutz Be'eri. Additionally, residents have reported packs of dogs in Kfar Aza, Ein HaBesor and other neighboring communities.
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Packs of stray dogs from Gaza Strip roaming around Israeli border communities
(Photo: Nimrod Cohen, Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
Dr. Yehoshua Shkedi, the chief scientist of Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority, said, "I was in the Gaza border area of Be'eri and Re'im yesterday. The number of stray dogs entering from the Gaza Strip is immense. In the small area I surveyed, there were dozens of dogs."
He warned of the damage these dogs can cause. "These dogs are a problem for nature because they prey on any animal they encounter. And if they spread diseases, they also pose a danger to human life. We've already seen in Bir al-Daj a girl who died from a bite by stray dogs." Dr. Shakedi called on authorities to act. "There's no other option; these dogs must be dealt with."
The stray dogs from Gaza are not afraid to approach humans. In a video shot by Kobi Sofer from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority near Kibbutz Erez, several dogs are seen approaching his vehicle and barking incessantly while other dogs are a few dozen feet away.
The Agriculture Ministry said it was “monitoring the situation and supporting local authorities, which are responsible for dealing with stray animals in general and particularly in the Western Negev.”
The ministry says it has allocated NIS 2.1 million ($560,000) in additional funding for local authorities to address the situation.
“The budget includes funding for the capture of hundreds of dogs, their maintenance in quarantine, vaccination with two rabies shots, microchipping and spaying and neutering surgeries," the ministry said.
The ministry stressed the importance of collecting stray dogs for adoption while also highlighting the potential risks to public and animal health and underscoring the necessity of consulting a municipal veterinarian to verify the dog's health and ensure it is appropriately tagged and vaccinated.