Abstract

Stray cats and dogs present serious challenges to public health, safety, animal welfare, and environmental balance in the Gulf region. This paper proposes a unified strategic framework that aligns with the shared climatic, cultural, and legislative characteristics of the GCC countries. Based on a proposed national plan, the document outlines the study's objectives, contributing factors to the phenomenon, estimated number of stray and homeless animals, expected stakeholders, targeted locations, control strategy, project timeline, required materials and supplies, estimated budget, workforce structure, operational system, animal monitoring methods, tracking mechanism, animal utilization (during life and post-mortem), success factors, and official regulatory forms. The strategy aims to establish an effective balance between population control and humane treatment in accordance with international veterinary and ethical standards. It proposes an integrated system involving monitoring, capture, sheltering, public awareness, and sustainable management solutions.

Key words: Stray animals; GCC; Animal welfare; Euthanasia; Regional strategy.