Feven Melese’s Mission to Rescue and Reform Care for Ethiopia’s Stray Dogs

Published: October 13, 2025, 09:45 EDT

A Rising Voice for Ethiopia’s Abandoned Dogs

In Addis Ababa, where thousands of stray dogs wander the streets, one woman’s compassion is driving change. Feven Melese, a 29-year-old music graduate, has become a leading advocate for animal welfare in Ethiopia’s capital, establishing one of the city’s few shelters for abandoned dogs.

Building a Haven for the Unwanted

Melese runs a modest facility on the outskirts of the city that currently shelters 40 rescued dogs. Every week, she also feeds around 700 others across Addis Ababa’s busy streets.

Over the past two years, she has helped rehome more than 300 dogs — a rare initiative in a country where most people view dogs primarily as guards, not companions. Working with fellow activists, she aims to shift that mindset and foster a culture of care and responsibility toward animals.

“As skyscrapers rise in Addis Ababa, the dogs have fewer places to go,” Melese said. “Many are abandoned by owners moving into apartments that don’t allow pets.”

A Growing Urban Challenge

The Ethiopian capital is home to an estimated 200,000 stray dogs. Authorities have faced mounting criticism for culling thousands through poisoning campaigns ahead of public events, often citing concerns about rabies outbreaks.

Government officials, however, maintain that public safety remains a key concern. “We plan to begin registration and vaccination programs to ensure owners take full responsibility,” said Melese Anshebo, an Addis Ababa city administration official. “For those without owners, we aim to find shelters — but dogs showing signs of infection may have to be euthanized.”

Rabies and Public Safety Concerns

Rabies remains a serious public health threat in Ethiopia. Dr. Alazar Ayele, a local veterinarian, said limited resources have hampered progress.

“What we need are coordinated, humane approaches — more vaccines, sterilization programs, and community education,” Ayele explained. “This protects both people and animals.”

Some residents have expressed fear of stray dogs, particularly at night. “They can be aggressive and bite people,” said Addis Ababa resident Yonas Bezabih. “It’s dangerous to walk alone when you don’t know who owns them.”

Compassion Over Fear

Melese’s shelter not only provides food and safety but also rehabilitates injured dogs. Among them is Konjit — meaning “beautiful” in Amharic — who wears a neck brace after surviving a road accident. Despite her injuries, she wags her tail as Melese tends to her.

Melese’s connection to animals began early. “When I was a child, I brought home stray dogs,” she recalled. “My mother tried to return them to the streets, but they always came back.”

Her long-standing empathy has grown into a movement for change.

Volunteers and a Growing Community

Melese’s work has inspired a network of volunteers, including her friend Luna Solomon, who helps feed the dogs several times a week.

“People often abandon female dogs because they’re afraid of the responsibility,” Solomon said. “We’re trying to show that they deserve the same care as any other.”

Another volunteer, Biruk Dejene, discovered Melese’s shelter while seeking a safer home for his mistreated dog, Zuse. He now visits weekly to help with care and outreach. “There’s little emotional connection between many owners and their dogs here,” he said. “We’re working to change that.”

Changing Perceptions, One Dog at a Time

Melese and her team continue to use social media and public campaigns to raise awareness about animal welfare. They are urging the government to implement widespread vaccination, neutering programs, and incentives for adoption.

“In Ethiopia, people often don’t see dogs as living beings with feelings,” Melese said. “We’re trying to change that — one act of kindness at a time.”

Looking Ahead

With limited funding and space, Melese’s shelter remains a symbol of hope amid Addis Ababa’s growing stray dog crisis. Her goal is not only to rescue animals but to redefine how society views them — as companions deserving of dignity, rather than expendable street guards.

As the city evolves, her work highlights a quiet but powerful truth: compassion, even in small acts, can transform communities.