Around 80 people went to Friday afternoon’s event, which was organized by the group PAWS (Pets and Animals Welfare Society of Kurdistan).
Representatives from the group said the gatherings, which they hope will become weekly, raise awareness about the ethical treatment of animals, population control through spaying and neutering, and allows members of the Facebook group to meet face-to-face.
Group members said every day they receive phone calls or messages from people in Kurdistan reporting abandoned, feral, malnourished, or injured dogs. The members volunteer by rescuing or assisting the canines when it's possible.
A group of five Erbil veterinarians has been donating its time, providing treatment to animals which need care. PAWS offsets the cost of the materials for the procedures through donations, but their goal is to have a permanent animal shelter.
