DOHA: The Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS), the oldest and largest animal welfare shelter in Qatar, has ceased operations after 10 years of service.
The shelter was given an eviction notice in December last year and despite public support from the Central Municipal Council, numerous meetings with the Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning and over 75,000 signatures of support from around the world, QAWS will be closed by the end of September.
QAWS has negotiated to stay at the current location until September 30, but is being penalised for overstaying with a 70 percent increment in rent for the remaining months, according to a QAWS press release.
Over the past 10 years, QAWS volunteers have rescued over 3,000 animals and provided each one with shelter, medical care and attention before finding them new homes both in Qatar and abroad. It has held hundreds of educational visits, talks and presentations in many schools, universities and businesses.
QAWS has expressed disappointment that no assistance has been offered but has accepted that the priority now is to focus on re-homing the animals in their care. With over 200 animals to find homes for before September 30, QAWS is asking for help from the public in securing the future of these animals.
Members of the public who find stray animals or have pets they can no longer keep, are advised to contact the Animal Resource Department on Airport Road for assistance.
Anyone considering adopting a pet is urged to contact the Qatar Animal Welfare Society before September 30.
The Peninsula
