Following public concern over reports linking stray dogs to a man’s death on the shore of Ramlet al-Bayda, animal welfare organization Animals Lebanon released a statement on Monday to clarify the situation.
Contrary to initial assumptions, there is no evidence that the dogs were responsible for the man’s death, the NGO stated.
“Surveillance footage from a nearby hotel reportedly shows the body floating at sea as early as 5 AM, with dogs and bystanders only approaching around 6:30 AM, once the body had washed ashore. The footage has been reviewed by police,” the statement said.
“The presence of dogs around a deceased person does not indicate guilt,” read the press release. “Animals are naturally curious. Investigating a body is instinctual behavior.”
Animals Lebanon reminded the public that Lebanon’s Animal Protection and Welfare Law (Law 47/2017) explicitly prohibits harming animals without justified cause. Article 12 outlines government responsibilities in managing stray populations – a process NGOs say has been ignored for years.
To ensure public reassurance and the safety of the animals, the NGO said the dogs will be temporarily relocated to a shelter in coordination with the Beirut Governor’s Office, the Ministry of Agriculture and the beach’s safety manager, Jad al-Rayess.
Animals Lebanon, along with fellow animal welfare organization Beta Lebanon, also emphasized the need to base actions on facts – not fear – and called for the proper enforcement of existing laws to prevent future crises.
They extended their condolences to the victim’s family, while urging the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation.
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