A widespread influx and attacks by thousands of stray dogs entering from Egypt have sparked fear and anxiety among residents of settlements near Israel’s southern border.
اضافة اعلان
According to a report published by Yedioth Ahronoth, described as an “unprecedented environmental and security catastrophe,” these dogs — originally from Egypt — began entering Israeli territory after the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Fighting and the dismantling of parts of the border fence opened unmonitored passages, allowing large packs of dogs, previously living in dire conditions in Gaza due to the collapse of veterinary services and infrastructure, to cross into Israel.
Bronia Karni Hadas, a resident of Kibbutz Karmia who grew up around dogs, said she had never felt this level of fear in her life:
“I went out for my morning walk and on my way back, I encountered a pack of six or seven dogs, including two nursing females. They barked, showed their teeth, and advanced toward me. I threw stones and backed away carefully… I haven’t gone out since.”
She added that children in the kibbutz are now afraid to go outside after noon, and residents avoid farmlands — and even walking near their own homes — for fear of encountering packs that sometimes number in the dozens.
In the settlement of Netiv HaAsara, resident Hila Banelon described how locals were forced to change their daily routes after a man was attacked by dogs near Zikim Beach.
“They have taken over our area. We see them inside the settlement, in the fields, and even on the beach. Some of them are aggressive. Encounters are frightening — even dangerous.”
According to Blaa Alexandrov, CEO of the Western Negev Regional Council, the situation is no longer merely an “animal problem,” but a “threat to the routine of daily life,” leading to:
Decline in agricultural and tourism activity
Deterioration in residents’ sense of safety at home
Rising risk of rabies outbreaks, with cases recorded in the north
Annual damages are estimated at 190 million shekels (around USD 50 million), including healthcare costs, agricultural losses, and psychological impact.
Despite the scale of the crisis, the authorities responsible for handling it consist of:
Only four veterinarians — half of them part-time
Just six inspectors
A starting veterinarian salary of 13,000 shekels (about USD 3,500), insufficient to attract personnel
The report also stated that the animal welfare organization “Let the Animals Live” exposed cases of mass killings of dogs, which led to the resignation of two veterinarians and a kennel manager. Remaining staff are reportedly suffering from professional and emotional exhaustion, coupled with a shortage of funding and technical support.
Although the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture allocated 5 million shekels to tackle the issue, bureaucratic hurdles prevent proper use of the funds:
Only one licensed contractor is able to catch dogs, and his rates exceed the allotted budget
The grant allows capturing a maximum of three dogs at a time, while packs typically move in groups of 10–12
No designated kennels, quarantine facilities, or effective sterilization system exist
On September 30, a meeting was held between Ministry officials and Western Negev authorities. Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi called for:
Appointing a national coordinator
Allocating dedicated funding
Building proper kennels
Regulating food sources along the border
Natalie Brodner Mor, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, acknowledged that “this is a national phenomenon requiring comprehensive treatment,” noting that the ministry is drafting a government resolution including new funding, a coordinator, and cooperation between the Ministries of Interior, Environment, and National Security.
Some officials, such as Veterinary Services Director Tamir Goshin, are calling for legislative changes to allow “immediate killing of dogs,” while animal rights organizations firmly oppose this approach. They argue:
“Killing does not reduce the population — it stimulates reproduction. The solution is sterilization and population control.”
Yael Arkin, head of the organization, said that adoption rates have fallen by 50% due to financial pressures and people preferring small breeds, despite most of the dogs in the region being friendly and suitable for adoption.
Ehud Cohen, Director General of the “Future for Poultry” movement, said residents feel abandoned:
“Two years after October 7, it’s time for the state to stop ignoring our problems and take real responsibility.”
The Ministry of Agriculture, for its part, denied accusations of “indiscriminate killing,” saying in an official statement that it is providing local authorities with 10 million shekels, organizing mass vaccination campaigns, and conducting awareness programs about rabies. However, it has so far offered no concrete implementation plan or clear timeline.
Source: Yedioth Ahronoth
