Target: Dr. Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture, Lebanon — Directorate of Animal Wealth
Goal: Rapidly and transparently investigate the deaths of wild animals—particularly jackals—issue public alerts, and deploy science-based measures (including rabies control and TNVR) to protect wildlife, people, and pets.
Multiple wild animals—especially jackals—have been found dead in several areas, prompting understandable public concern. According to the Ministry’s own communication, veterinarians have been tasked with field inspections and epidemiological investigations, and samples are being collected for laboratory testing. While this is a critical first step, the situation remains fluid and frightening for residents encountering sick or dying wildlife.
Officials have rightly urged the public not to approach ill animals and to report sightings immediately. Yet a surge of suspected wildlife fatalities demands swift, visible action: accelerated diagnostics with clear timelines; immediate, plain-language public advisories; and coordination with municipal authorities, animal health laboratories, and accredited rescue groups. Where disease is suspected—such as rabies—vaccination rings, bite-exposure protocols, and targeted Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) for community dogs should be prioritized to reduce risk without resorting to indiscriminate culling.
To restore confidence and safeguard both biodiversity and public health, authorities should publish preliminary and final lab results, map verified cases, and outline the response steps being taken and by whom. A comprehensive, time-bound plan—covering surveillance, testing, vaccination, rescue/rehab pathways, and humane management of community dogs—would demonstrate leadership and help prevent further losses. This petition respectfully urges the Ministry to move quickly on these measures and to keep the public fully informed.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Nizar Hani,
We are deeply concerned by the reports of wild animal deaths—particularly jackals—being discovered in multiple areas. Your statement notes that veterinary teams are conducting field inspections, epidemiological investigations, and laboratory sampling. Given the urgency and the understandable anxiety this has created, we respectfully request a rapid, transparent, and science-based response.
Specifically, we ask you to expedite diagnostics with clear public timelines; issue frequent, plain-language advisories via SMS, social media, and municipal channels; and coordinate tightly with accredited labs, municipalities, rescue groups, and healthcare providers. If a transmissible disease is implicated, please prioritize vaccination rings, post-exposure protocols, and targeted TNVR to reduce risk to people, pets, and wildlife without indiscriminate culling.
Finally, we urge you to publish preliminary and final findings, map verified incidents, and release a time-bound action plan that details surveillance, testing, vaccination, humane management, and enforcement responsibilities. Swift, transparent action will protect Lebanon’s wildlife, support public health, and build trust.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: CLPramod
