The General Organization for Veterinary Services vaccinated 2,538 stray dogs and neutered 162 others across several governorates, in coordination with local authorities and civil society organizations, as part of efforts to implement Law No. 29 of 2023, which regulates the humane management of stray animals, according to a ministry statement.
In Luxor, veterinary teams carried out specialized operations at key heritage sites, including Luxor Temple, the Avenue of Sphinxes, and the area surrounding the Sidi Abu Al-Haggag Mosque.
The ministry said 23 stray dogs were vaccinated in these locations to ensure a safe environment for tourists and residents, while preserving the appearance and integrity of internationally recognized heritage sites.
Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk instructed officials to expand the campaigns and strengthen coordination with governors to allocate suitable land for animal shelters outside residential areas, while deepening cooperation with civil society organizations.
He said the goal is the full implementation of the country’s “Rabies-Free Egypt” strategy in line with environmental, health, and legal standards.
The statement stressed that field operations prioritize public health while fully respecting animal welfare principles.
It added that the strategy is based on a scientific approach that relies on vaccination and neutering to limit the spread of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, alongside public awareness campaigns promoting safe and humane interaction with stray dogs.
Egypt has launched a nationwide programme to manage the stray dog population, officially estimated at 10–11 million, using a catch, neuter, vaccinate, and release (CNVR) approach in coordination with governorates across the country.
The programme includes allocating 12 plots of land to establish shelters away from densely populated areas. The first phase covers Cairo, Giza, Beheira, and Gharbiya due to high population density and public complaints, with other governorates expected to follow using local budgets.
Under the programme, dogs are captured, vaccinated, treated, and sterilized before being returned to their original areas to maintain ecological balance or placed in shelters, while aggressive or suspected rabid cases are isolated.
Officials said the policy aligns with the World Health Organisation’s global strategy to eliminate rabies by 2030, stressing that killing or poisoning dogs is prohibited and that adoption is encouraged.
Funding comes from the state budget, as well as contributions from civil society and international partners, with shelters operated according to scientific standards by specialized veterinary teams in coordination with animal welfare organizations.
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