ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Stray and pet cats are being spayed and neutered in Erbil to help control their population.

Oriana Asmuelse, general manager of the World War Paws Organization, tells Rudaw they use gas to anesthetize the cats humanely for $35 per procedure per cat.

Since the start of 2024, Asmuelse has anesthetized 24 cats.

Spaying and neutering have not been common in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, but animal rights supporters increasingly are trying to help control the population of domestic animals.

Asmuelse also suggests that the government should ban the import of cats.

"Pet shop owners should neuter and sell stray cats because a neutered cat quickly adjusts to its owner,” the general manager says.

Annually, cats can reproduce five times with each litter containing up to nine kittens.

War Paws was created to give a voice to forgotten animals in war zones. Rather than just removing animals from conflict areas, the organization focuses on educating local populations about responsible animal care. Through information and encouragement, the organization aims to promote the happy and healthy ownership of animals.