Basra, Iraq — A man in Iraq’s Basra province has been arrested after a video of him painting a stray dog blue went viral, igniting public outrage and condemnation from authorities and animal rights groups.
The individual, who identified himself as Haidar al-Aboud, was taken into custody on Sunday, August 31, under charges of animal abuse. The arrest was made under Article 486 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which criminalizes the mistreatment of animals, including severe beating, torment, or abuse, and carries a penalty of up to three months’ detention or a fine.
The video, which spread quickly across social media platforms, shows al-Aboud applying bright blue paint to the dog’s body. Basra police labeled the act “reprehensible and contrary to human norms,” stating that such behavior does not reflect the values of Iraqi society.
In a public apology, al-Aboud claimed the paint used was not standard emulsion and had since been removed. He also stated that the dog was his “personal guard” and that he had no intention of causing harm.
Despite his apology, the video triggered widespread criticism and renewed calls for stronger animal welfare protections in Iraq. Authorities warned the public against sharing content that normalizes cruelty and urged responsible behavior online.
Animal abuse remains a serious issue in Iraq, especially involving stray animals. While legal action is rare, this case has drawn significant attention due to the viral nature of the video.
Several NGOs in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region continue to advocate for comprehensive animal protection laws and education initiatives to foster humane treatment of animals.
