Introduction

A significant population of stray dogs in Israel's Negev desert is concentrated around Bedouin communities, with studies indicating that approximately 60% of the country's stray dog population is in the southern Negev area. 

Key details regarding this situation include:

​

• Food Source: These dogs thrive on garbage and waste from open, unregulated dumps, as well as animal carcasses in these areas.

• Cultural Factors: Neutering and spaying are not common practices within many Bedouin communities, largely due to a lack of awareness and different cultural views regarding dogs.

• Health and Safety Risks: The large, uncontrolled packs of dogs pose a safety risk to residents, as they can be dangerous to humans and livestock.

• Historical Context: The breed known as the Canaan Dog or "Bedouin Dog" is native to this region and has historically been used by Bedouins as a guard dog.

 

What does this mean and how it effects the dog population?

Negev dogs are looking for food in this harsh desert environment. They live on sand and are hungry. Large numbers of dogs living near Bedouin villages does pose a risk to children, plus Arabs don’t like dogs. Because of the government’s neglect they find ‘creative’ ways to get rid of the dogs. They poison them, beat them up or dump them in the outskirts of Jewish towns. Even cute puppies are viewed as a menace by them.

 

Jewish animal rescuers are overwhelmed by the number of dogs they need to save, since the government refuses to sterilize the dogs or support the rescuers. Also, when injured or poisoned dogs are found; the Animal Rescuers or nonprofit organizations must take them to the veterinary and are left with huge bills, they need to rehabilitate the dogs and at the end no one adopted them. (Look at the picture of the poisoned dog, on the Arad LeHai page) It’s a vicious cycle that needs to end. Here is an example of a beautiful dog family getting dumped on the outskirts of Beersheva. The rescuer screams at the Bedouins that dump the dogs and drive away.