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 Few Gambian people own the dogs seen roaming the streets, and they are
generally poorly treated (or simply ignored) because touching them is
seen by Muslims as an unclean act. Cats are similar as they are rarely
kept as pets, gangs of them can be seen hanging around the various
hotels, begging for food. It is unwise to pet stray dogs and unfamiliar
cats due to the risk of rabies, not to mention the more likely risk of
contracting a disease like ringworm.
An interesting fact about cats
is that their local name, "muus" also means wise.
Local Conditions:
 Beach dogs have an insecure life in The Gambia. While the
tourist season lasts they are put up with around most of the ocean
side bars and get a little water, food and maybe worming medication
from anxious tourists. A central feeding point for cats is at the
Kombo Beach Hotel called the Cat Cafe. Some of these people sometimes
contact a charity called GambiCats which has been in working in The
Gambia since 1998.
They organise humane neutering or vet treatment for these stray
animals and are concerned about improving their general welfare.
Off-season however, the local treatment of dogs is very
different. The animals drift away from the beach as there are no
longer easy pickings. However, cats tend to fair a little better
as most houses tolerate feral cats whom which leftovers from
lunch are frequently fed to. This is often dictated by the
Islamic custom which says that one should never throw away food.
Neutering:
The local practice
is not to neuter cats and doges but to leave them to wonder
freely while being subjected to occasional stoning, poisoning,
becoming victims of road kill, bad health and starvation.
The government department who care charged with controlling the
numbers of dogs and cats is the Abuko based Livestock Services
Departments or DLS for short.
Another notable organisation in animal welfare is the
Association for the Welfare of Animals in The Gambia (AWAG). It
was established in 1999 as a registered animal charity whose aims are
threefold.
(1) To promote better quality of care for
animals and to alleviate suffering where necessary by providing
veterinary assistance and through local education programmes.
(2) To raise official awareness about the plight of animals and
their local environment.
(3) To participate in the
improvement of better legislation and assisting in its local
enforcement.
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