Local group aims to save Amman’s stray animals

AMMAN — A local programme aiming to spread awareness about animal welfare in Jordan has built a number of food stations across Amman to provide food and water to stray animals.

The “Stray Cats and Dogs Welfare” programme was founded around a year ago by Mujahed Rifai, who was inspired by public food stations for animals in Turkey which aimed to provide cats and dogs living on the streets with the basic necessities for survival.

Made with plastic at a specialised industrial unit, the food stations are planted in areas with high numbers of stray, abandoned or homeless animals, Rifai explained.

“Everyone can agree that there are many homeless animals on the streets. We seek to raise public awareness of the issue and trying — as much as we can — to make food and water available for them,” he told The Jordan Times, adding “the initiative’s aims also include educating people on the culture of giving and respecting all living creatures”.

“Many stray dogs, which people consider ‘dangerous’, were taken from populated neighbourhoods to other safer areas, followed by daily supplies of food and water through the stations we built,” the 26-year-old added.

The founder said the stations are refilled every two days by initiative members, volunteers or residents, with around 30kg of dry food in total across several areas in Amman.

Rifai said he has been approached by residents, volunteers and children who were willing to contribute and help the animals. 

“We received incredible feedback from people voicing their willingness to participate and contribute. Some wanted to build a food station, some said they would buy the dry food and refill the stations daily or every two days, it’s been unbelievable,” he rejoiced. 

A member of the programme, Doha Abu Dhear, 26, said not only will the initiative provide food to animals found on the street, but it will also contribute to cleaner streets and a more attentive society. 

“It gives a safer sphere to animals, especially cats and dogs, to raise the sense of humanity and kindness among people,” she stressed.

The areas covered by the initiative include Jabal Al Luweibdeh, Marj Al Hamam, Shmeisani, Dabouq, Al Kursi, Sahab, Zarqa and different areas of West Amman, according to Abu Dhear. 

“We aim to limit any acts that encourage using force or violence against animals,” she added.

Rifai said that through the programme, many diseased and injured animals have also been rescued, with the expenses fully covered by initiative members.