ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — In the heart of Ethiopia’s capital, a young woman named Feven Melese is championing the cause of abandoned dogs. The 29-year-old, who has a degree in music, has established a shelter on the outskirts of Addis Ababa that provides food and safe refuge for 40 dogs. Additionally, she feeds approximately 700 stray dogs each week, hoping to create a better life for these animals.
Over the past two years, Melese has successfully found new homes for more than 300 dogs. Along with fellow animal rights activists, she aims to shift the prevailing attitude in Ethiopia where dogs are often viewed solely as protectors for humans rather than as pets deserving of care. As the city develops, with skyscrapers proliferating, the number of unclaimed dogs—estimated to be around 200,000—continues to rise. Many homeowners have abandoned their pets due to new residential policies that prohibit pets.
Melese has expressed concerns over the lack of compassion shown to these stray dogs, stating that many Ethiopians do not recognize their feelings or needs. Often, when dogs become burdensome, they are left to fend for themselves. She recalls her childhood in Addis Ababa, where she took in multiple strays despite her mother's attempts to return them to the streets. Her deep affection for animals drives her mission today, but she faces significant challenges.
Local residents also raise alarms about the dangers posed by stray dogs, with reports of aggressiveness and biting incidents causing fear within the community. One resident, Yonas Bezabih, remarked that the presence of unclaimed dogs can endanger passersby, particularly at night. The government has responded to these growing concerns, with city administration official Melese Anshebo revealing plans for dog registration and vaccination initiatives. The aim is to promote responsible pet ownership and provide shelter for dogs without owners, though there is an ominous note that some dogs exhibiting disease symptoms may be euthanized.
Veterinarian Dr. Alazar Ayele highlighted that rabies remains a critical public health issue in the region. He pointed out that lack of resources for vaccination and sterilization efforts hinders progress and calls for a more coordinated and humane approach to animal care in Addis Ababa. Community education, more vaccines, and trained veterinarians are vital to ensure the safety of both people and animals.
Volunteers, such as Luna Solomon, support Melese by attending the shelter multiple times a week to help with feeding and caring for the dogs. Solomon noted that female dogs are often abandoned due to the expectation that they will reproduce, which adds responsibility for their owners. Cultural misconceptions about the care required for female dogs contribute to this issue.
Another supporter, Biruk Dejene, connected with Melese while searching for a new home for his mistreated dog, Zuse. He now visits the shelter weekly to check on his pet. Dejene emphasized the trend among dog owners in Ethiopia to seek personal benefit from their pets without forming a real emotional connection. He noted the need for greater awareness regarding responsible pet ownership and care.
Melese and her team continue to advocate for dogs on social media and hold events to raise awareness in the streets of Addis Ababa. They aspire for the government to implement mass vaccination campaigns, spaying and neutering projects, and offer incentives for adopting stray dogs. Their grassroots efforts highlight the urgent need to change societal perceptions of dogs in Ethiopia, ultimately seeking a future where these animals are no longer abandoned but cherished as part of the family.
