Homeless Animals in Ethiopia (Dogs)

Due to poverty, a lack of knowledge and awareness, and the cultural mores of the people, most dogs in Ethiopia are homeless, malnourished, sick, and, in some cases, abused. In Addis Ababa alone there are approximately 750,000 homeless dogs that roam free. These animals have no care and must fend for themselves. Because of the severe lack of available veterinary care, these animals are without benefit of vaccinations or medical treatment of any kind and are responsible for over 500 cases of rabies annually in Addis Ababa alone. There is also the very real danger these dogs could spread rabies to many of the endangered species and other endemic wildlife. The risk of rabies to human beings and wildlife is so high that a program designed to vaccinate, spay/neuter, and find foster and permanent homes for these homeless dogs is of paramount importance.

In July of 2007, the Amsale Gessesse Memorial Foundation, working with the Homeless Animal Society of Ethiopia (HAPS) rescued four dogs that had been thrown into the infamous Gido Cave and left to die of starvation and dehydration (More details at Best Friends). The Foundation subsequently petitioned the government to have the cave closed to prevent the further abandonment of dogs to a hideous death in the cave. HAPS with the financial support of the AGMF had the cave closed a week later. (For information on AGMF’s efforts with other national and international organizations to stop a government program to euthanize stray dogs with strychnine in preparation for the celebration of the millennium in Ethiopia go to Bestfriends.org.

Because of a lack of funding, HAPS was unable to keep the rescued dogs and find suitable homes for them. In order to prevent the dogs from being euthanized and to call attention to the plight of homeless animals in Ethiopia and, indeed, throughout Africa, the Foundation stepped in and brought them to the United States for Adoption. Rescued Dogs update AGMF also lent support to HAPS’ educational program. (After May 1, 2008, anyone wishing to donate to HAPS may contact the organization through its web site at Homeless Animal Society of Ethiopia.)

On a subsequent trip to Ethiopia with Gregory Castle, a founding partner of Best Friends Animal Society, the president of the Foundation, representatives of HAPS, and Mr. Castle met with officials responsible for animal care including the director and staff veterinarians of the Urban Agricultural Department and representatives of the Veterinary Association. Mr. Castle toured the HAPS facilities and various government animal clinics. Based on those meetings and the tours of facilities, Best Friends agreed to provide funding through the AGMF for a government vaccination and spay/neuter program. This is in addition to the generous funding given by HSI and AGMF.

The Amsale Gessesse Memorial Foundation is currently working with government organizations and hopes eventually to establish a facility of its own to continue and expand programs and services to

1. Spay/neuter homeless dogs
2. Provide vaccinations for Rabies, Parvovirus, etc.
3. Educate the public on how to better care for dogs
4. Promote foster care and adoption programs
5. Create additional animal clinics and sanctuaries in the city
6. Replicate the program in cities throughout Ethiopia

You are invited to join us in improving the plight of domestic animals and homeless dogs in Ethiopia. Please make your donation today by clicking on donate. No amount is too small. All gifts are greatly appreciated.