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Violation of the law and the instructions of President Sisi are causing Hurghada to collapse

To whom it may concern. We, the undersigned below would like to file a complaint against all those responsible for the intense campaigns by the local administration of Hurghada to poison dogs in the tourist city. This act has caused disgust and anger among many residents and animal lovers (foreign and Egyptian residents, as well as tourists), as well as animal rights groups. It is known that dogs and other animals should not be killed except if their presence poses a threat that cannot be removed except by killing them. In addition it threatens the lives of children as a result of the careless use of Strychnine poison. The dedicated research published about Strychnine poison indicates that it is highly toxic and dangerous to the environment according to "PUBCHEM" website, specialized in research on chemical substances and pharmaceuticals. It is a type of poison prohibited in many countries, and this substance is very toxic and dangerous to aquatic life and has long-term effects because it does not readily decompose in water or soil. The lethal dose when consumed orally by humans is less than 5 mg/kg, meaning less than 7 drops are enough to kill an adult because it causes severe convulsions and respiratory system paralysis within a period ranging from 15 to 60 seconds. All of this is in violation of national legislation, as Article 45 of the Egyptian Constitution stipulates:

"The state is required to protect its seas, shores, lakes, waterways, and natural reserves, and it is forbidden to encroach upon them, pollute them, or use them in a way that conflicts with their nature. The right of every citizen to enjoy them is guaranteed, and the state also ensures the protection and development of green areas in urban areas, the preservation of plant and animal resources, and the protection of endangered or threatened species, as well as the humane treatment of animals, all as regulated by law."

Additionally, Article 355 of the Egyptian Penal Code stipulates that intentional killing of draft, riding, or pack animals, any type of livestock, or causing significant harm to them is punishable by imprisonment with hard labor. Also, poisoning these animals or attempting to commit the aforementioned crimes is punishable by imprisonment with hard labor for a duration of up to one year or a fine.

Article 356 of the same law states that committing the mentioned crimes at night will result in a penalty of hard labor or imprisonment for a period ranging from three to seven years.

Further, Article 357 of the same law provides that any person who intentionally kills, poisons, or causes significant harm to domesticated animals not mentioned in Article 355 is punishable by imprisonment for a period of up to six months or a fine.

It is important to note that these actions contribute to environmental imbalance because these animals play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling the population of other species such as rats. Killing these animals also leads to a negative image of Egypt internationally by animal rights organizations.

Protection and enhancement of biological diversity in Egypt cannot be achieved by eliminating the Egyptian dog as it is considered one of the native species. This is crucial particularly as Egypt has recently expressed its commitment to the conservation of biological diversity, having hosted the 2018 United Nations Conference on biological diversity in Sharm El-Sheikh. There are also concerns the intentional waste of public funds by cutting down trees that have been around for decades and planting new trees at a considerable cost.

Government departments are spending exorbitant amounts to purchase strychnine to kill animals, which affects the ecological balance. They are also cutting down trees and replacing them without any logical reason. They are ignoring the need to maintain cleanliness on the streets and eliminate the increasing legal violations in the city, which may impact its status as a tourist destination and tarnish Egypt's image in front of the world.

The best way to solve this crisis is to conduct sterilization campaigns to control their population growth. Random vaccination campaigns can also be launched to prevent diseases such as rabies and reduce their spread. Collaboration with animal rights organizations and the establishment of shelters for stray animals is important. In addition, there should be a focus on cleanliness, waste management, and the prevention of the reproduction and habitat of pests. Expanding the establishment of dog shelters outside residential areas, providing the necessary financial resources for the care and feeding of these animals, raising awareness among citizens about the importance of these creatures, and instilling concepts of kindness towards animals in young children are also essential.

This is an appeal to the President and representatives to inspect the situation in Hurghada and initiate inspections and investigations into the departments that are violating the legislation. They should also enforce the President's orders to refrain from killing animals and promote their well-being. It is worth noting that there are videos and photos of veterinary vehicles with employees caught in the act of throwing poison on the streets and quickly fleeing afterwards.

Signed: [Names of the concerned individuals]