Since the mid-19th century, stray dogs and cats in Algeria have been subjected to a brutal practice known as Galoufa” “القالوفة”.” This method, carried out by a governmental institution called Hurbal (commonly referred to as Galoufa), involves capturing animals from the streets and killing them in a cruel manner.
Despite modern, humane alternatives such as vaccination and sterilization being available and effective in controlling stray populations without inflicting pain and suffering, this horrific practice continues to this day.
The term “Galoufa” is derived from the name of “Garufa,” the first dog catcher in Algiers. Garufa, of Spanish origin, was employed in the latter half of the 19th century to round up and eliminate stray animals, which were seen as potential carriers of dangerous diseases like rabies, posing a threat to public health and the environment.
Government-ordered operations to collect stray dogs and cats occur regularly across various provinces in Algeria, particularly during the summer months. In addition to electrocution, authorities often deploy municipal workers or volunteers to rural areas and villages to shoot or poison stray animals indiscriminately. While some animals die immediately, many endure prolonged suffering, sometimes lasting minutes, hours, or even days before succumbing to their injuries.
Access to the institution’s headquarters is restricted unless you are a pet owner attempting to retrieve your dog or cat that may have been mistakenly collected along with stray animals.
Numerous publicly available videos provide clear evidence of the cruelty inflicted on these animals. They are treated without respect and subjected to an appallingly brutal and merciless death.
In Algeria, public opinion is divided into three groups: those who support this practice, those who oppose it, and others who remain unaware of the institution’s existence.
Despite the requirement for a special license to hold protests, animal lovers, activists, and local associations refuse to remain silent. Numerous protests have been organized outside the institution; however, these efforts have proven unsuccessful as authorities remain unresponsive, unwilling to cooperate, and dismissive of humane alternatives that could safeguard both animals and humans.
We’ve sent our protest letter to Algerian President Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister of Algeria Mr. Nadir Larbaoui and President of The National Economic Social and Environmental Council Mrs. Rabéa Kharfi. Send yours, unity is strength!
Send your protest letter to Algerian governement
Dear President Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister of Algeria Mr. Nadir Larbaoui and President of The National Economic Social and Environmental Council Mrs. Rabéa Kharfi,
With this letter, we appeal to your kind attention and compassion expressing our deep concern and indignation about how stray animals are treated in your country.
We sincerely demand to consider our proposal of employing humane and not cruel methods for managing and monitoring the population of stray dogs and cats in Algeria, as well as implementing national laws and local regulations on the issue to avoid cruelty and abuse on animals.
Now is the right time to make a great change and you can be the driver of that change by banning the terrible practise of “Galoufa” – القالوفة”. It is time to listen to the plead of all your citizens who are asking to end this brutal and insane mass slaughter of sentient beings. We are now living in the 21st century and not in the 19th century, when Galoufa was firstly introduced. A compassionate approach to deal with the strays’ overpopulation exists and may be easily implemented.
Animal welfare organizations, like OIPA, hope that the Algerian government will adapt to a now widespread international culture that respects animals through the adoption of bloodless and modern methods in the fight against stray animals, resulting in positive international media prominence.We hopes that Algeria will incorporate into its legislation the principles of Brambell’s internationally recognised Five Freedoms of Animals, namely: freedom from hunger/thirst; right to a suitable environment; freedom from disease; right to exhibit normal behavioural characteristics; and freedom from fear.
If you decide to make Algeria a compassionate country for animals, many of your citizens will thank you and trust you.
