Iraq: Animals in a Nation Rebuilding
Iraq has endured decades of conflict — the Iran-Iraq War, Gulf War, international sanctions, the 2003 invasion, the subsequent insurgency, the ISIS conflict (2014–2017), and ongoing instability. Each phase of conflict has had devastating impacts on animals alongside the human toll: livestock killed or stolen, companion animals abandoned, zoo animals neglected or escaping, and wildlife habitat destroyed. As Iraq rebuilds, animal welfare — though far from the top of the national agenda — is beginning to receive some attention.
Iraq also has unique natural significance: the Mesopotamian Marshes of southern Iraq are one of the world's great wetland ecosystems, drained nearly completely under Saddam Hussein and partially restored since 2003, supporting extraordinary biodiversity including the endemic Basra reed warbler and critically threatened smooth-coated otters.
~UNESCO
Mesopotamian Marshes — World Heritage Site
>40%
Marsh area restored since 2003 draining reversal
Conflict Impacts on Animals
Zoo and Captive Animals
Baghdad Zoo crisis: The Baghdad Zoo — the largest in the Middle East before 2003 — suffered catastrophically during the invasion and subsequent looting. Animals died of starvation and dehydration, some were shot by looters, and others escaped into the city. From approximately 650 animals pre-war, only about 35 survived in the immediate aftermath. International organizations including WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) intervened with emergency food and veterinary care. The zoo has since been partially rebuilt but welfare standards remain limited by resource constraints.
The Mosul Zoo faced a similar crisis during ISIS occupation — animals were starved, some killed, and facilities damaged. After liberation, organizations including Four Paws International conducted emergency rescue operations.
Livestock and Working Animals
Massive livestock losses: Each phase of Iraq's conflict has caused enormous livestock losses — animals killed in combat, stolen, or starved when owners fled. Rebuilding livestock herds is a major economic recovery challenge in rural Iraq. Veterinary infrastructure was largely destroyed in conflict areas, leaving surviving animals without health care.
Companion Animals
During ISIS control of major cities (Mosul, Fallujah, Tikrit), ISIS reportedly killed dogs as religiously prohibited, contributing to large abandoned dog populations after liberation. Post-conflict displacement left many companion animals abandoned. Rabies risk from stray dog populations has been a public health concern.
The Mesopotamian Marshes: Wildlife Recovery
Historical Destruction
The Mesopotamian Marshes — an ancient wetland ecosystem at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers — were systematically drained by Saddam Hussein's government in the 1990s as punishment for Shia Arab communities who lived there. By 2000, 90% of the marshes had been drained, devastating one of the world's great wetland ecosystems and displacing the Marsh Arabs (Ma'dan).
Recovery After 2003
Remarkable restoration: Following the 2003 invasion, Iraqi communities broke the drainage dikes and water began returning to the marshes. By 2010, approximately 40–50% of the historical marsh area had been reflooded. Biodiversity has partially recovered — migratory birds returned in large numbers, fish populations are rebuilding, and smooth-coated otters (previously thought extinct in the marshes) have been documented.
Ongoing threats: The marshes face serious ongoing threats — upstream dam construction in Turkey and Iran reduces water flow; climate change is increasing drought and salt intrusion; agricultural runoff causes pollution. The area experienced severe drought in 2021–22, again threatening wildlife. Long-term ecological and wildlife welfare is highly uncertain.
Livestock Welfare Challenges
Buffalo in the Marshes
Iraqi water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are an integral part of Marsh Arab culture and the marshland ecosystem, living semi-wild in the reed beds. During the draining period, buffalo populations collapsed. Recovery of marsh buffaloes has been linked to the ecological restoration — their welfare is intertwined with the health of the marsh ecosystem.
General Livestock Conditions
- Smallholder cattle, sheep, and goat farming dominates; commercial intensive farming is limited
- Veterinary services are underdeveloped, particularly in rural and formerly conflict-affected areas
- Animal transport in overcrowded vehicles over long distances for market is common
- No pre-slaughter stunning requirements; traditional halal slaughter without stunning is universal
- Eid al-Adha slaughter involves millions of animals annually with variable welfare standards
Stray Animal Management
Culling programs: Iraqi municipalities have historically managed stray dog populations through shooting and poisoning — methods that are both welfare-damaging and epidemiologically ineffective for rabies control. Rabies is endemic; fear of dogs (cynophobia) is common in urban areas following rabies cases.
Emerging alternatives: Some Iraqi NGOs and international organizations are beginning to introduce TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) approaches in limited areas. WHO guidance recommending TNVR over culling has been shared with Iraqi health authorities, though adoption is early-stage.
Wildlife Beyond the Marshes
Iraq's wildlife outside the marshes faces severe pressure from conflict, hunting, and habitat destruction:
- Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica) — critically endangered; tiny populations in northern Iraq's forests
- Asiatic cheetah — believed extinct in Iraq; occasional unverified sightings
- Hunting pressure on game species (gazelles, hares, birds) is very high with limited enforcement
- Illegal wildlife trade — cage birds, reptiles — in urban markets
- Landmines in northern (Kurdistan) and southern regions pose risks to wildlife
Islamic Dimensions of Animal Welfare in Iraq
Iraq is a predominantly Muslim country where Islamic teachings on animal welfare provide the primary cultural framework:
- Islamic tradition explicitly requires compassion for animals — rahmah (mercy) extends to all creatures
- The Prophet's teachings on not overburdening animals, providing water, and minimizing suffering at slaughter are known widely
- Waqf (Islamic charitable endowments) have historically supported animal welfare in some contexts
- Animal welfare advocacy framed within Islamic ethics has the best prospects for cultural acceptance
Organizations and Priorities
- Four Paws International: Zoo animal rescue operations; working on rebuilding Baghdad and Mosul Zoo welfare standards
- WSPA/World Animal Protection: Emergency livestock response; zoo animal welfare
- Nature Iraq: Iraqi NGO focused on marshland restoration and wildlife protection
- FAO Iraq: Livestock health and food security programs
- Iraqi Society for Animal Welfare: Emerging local companion animal welfare organization
Priority Areas
- Protect and restore the Mesopotamian Marshes as a UNESCO World Heritage site and critical wildlife habitat
- Rebuild veterinary infrastructure in conflict-affected areas
- Introduce TNVR programs to replace culling for stray dog management
- Develop modern animal welfare legislation appropriate to Iraq's cultural and legal context
- Engage Islamic religious leadership in animal welfare education