Work on a new public shelter for stray animals in Umm Salal that has been in the planning stages since 2010 is finally expected to begin next month, Gulf Times reports.

The shelter, which is being built by the Ministry of Environment on 3,000sqm of land, is expected to include 120 kennels. It will take at least a year or more to build.

In the meantime, the MoE has been working to set up a temporary shelter to accommodate all the strays caught during a nationwide trapping campaign. In October, MoE officials said efforts had to be slowed down because there was nowhere to put the animals who were caught.

But even the temporary shelter could already be too small, Gulf Times reports:

Currently, the MoE has a temporary shelter for such animals in Nuaija, which does not have enough space or the capability to house the increasing number of stray and abandoned animals in the country. The Veterinary Unit of MoE is tasked with taking care of such animals, mostly stray dogs and cats.

Meanwhile, the country’s largest animal shelter remains open, despite an uncertain future. Speaking to Doha News, Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) board member Kelly Allen said the shelter’s landlord has granted a lease extension through March.

A year ago, the landlord had said he would not be renewing the lease for QAWS, which has been around since 2004 and provides abandoned dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals with food, medical attention and regular care as they await permanent homes. It is supported solely by public donations.

Thoughts?