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.

Source: AP News – Abandoned dogs in Ethiopia’s capital get little care. A woman wants to change that

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The Canadian Grand Prix had its fair share of drama — from an unfortunate run-in with a groundhog to a first win of the season for George Russell and an explosive McLaren clash. Here’s what went down in Montreal.

A Devastated Hamilton Hits a Groundhog

Lewis Hamilton left the Canadian Grand Prix feeling more heartbroken than frustrated — and not just because of his sixth-place finish.

The seven-time world champion, who started fifth on the grid, lost significant pace early in the race and didn’t know why until afterward. The culprit? A groundhog. The animal had wandered onto the track at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and was struck by Hamilton’s Ferrari, damaging the car’s floor and costing him around half a second per lap.

“I didn’t see it happen, but I heard I hit a groundhog, so that’s devastating,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. “I love animals, so I’m so sad about it. It’s horrible. It’s never happened to me here before.”

Hamilton, a committed vegan and animal rights advocate, seemed genuinely shaken. He said the car felt “pretty decent” at the start and that he was optimistic about the race — until the incident. Brake issues later added to his troubles, and a poorly timed pit stop put him behind traffic.

“It went from one thing to another,” he said. “I’m grateful I could just finish, particularly with the brake issue I had, and bag those points.”

Russell Rules Montreal

While Hamilton was dealing with heartbreak, fellow Brit George Russell had a stellar day. Starting from pole, the Mercedes driver held off a determined Max Verstappen to claim his first win of the season — and his first trip to the top step of the podium in over a year.

“It’s amazing to be back on the top step,” Russell said. “To get the victory and see Kimi [Antonelli] on the podium, too, is an amazing day for the team.”

Verstappen, who finished second, seemed satisfied with the result, despite his season-long rivalry with Russell heating up once again. Antonelli secured third in what was a dream result for Mercedes.

McLaren Meltdown

The biggest flashpoint of the day came in the final laps, when the two McLaren teammates — both leading the F1 drivers’ standings — collided in a dramatic scrap for position.

Lando Norris made several bold attempts to overtake Oscar Piastri with just four laps to go. But the aggressive push ended in disaster: Norris clipped Piastri’s rear tire, sending himself into the wall and out of the race.

Piastri managed to pit and salvage a fourth-place finish, but the moment cost McLaren dearly.

“I’m sorry. All my bad. All my fault. Stupid from me,” Norris said over the team radio right after the crash. Speaking later to Sky Sports, he owned the mistake completely. “I apologize to the whole team and to Oscar as well for attempting something probably a bit too silly.”

The clash widened the points gap between the two teammates, with Piastri now 22 points clear of Norris in the championship standings.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella didn’t hold back. “We never want to see a McLaren car involved in an accident — and definitely not contact between our two cars,” he said. “This is a situation we know is not acceptable. At the same time, we appreciate that Lando immediately owned it.”

Up Next: Austria

With the dust settling in Montreal, the F1 circus now heads to Europe. The Austrian Grand Prix is set for June 29 — and if Montreal was any indication, the next round could be just as unpredictable.

Source: CNN – Lewis Hamilton ‘so sad’ after hitting groundhog during Canadian Grand Prix as George Russell claims win

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Two Belgian teenagers are facing serious charges in Kenya after they were caught with 5,000 ants at a guest house in Nakuru county, a region known for its national parks. The teens, 19-year-olds Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, were arrested on April 5 and charged on April 15 for violating wildlife conservation laws. They now face a tough choice: pay a fine of $7,700 or serve up to 12 months in prison, the maximum penalty for this offense.

The ants, including the distinctive messor cephalotes species, were being trafficked to European and Asian markets—an increasingly common trend in the illegal wildlife trade. These large, red-colored harvester ants, native to East Africa, are in high demand online, where there is a “biting shortage,” according to Magistrate Njeri Thuku.

Despite claiming their actions were naive and motivated by a hobby, the teens’ large collection of ants raised suspicions. The Kenyan authorities argue that the illegal exportation of such species not only violates the country’s sovereignty over its biodiversity but also deprives local communities of vital ecological and economic opportunities.

In a related case, two other men were found with 400 ants and, like the Belgian teens, were fined $7,700 or faced a year in prison. One of the men, Duh Hung Nguyen, a Vietnamese national, explained that he was tasked with picking up the ants and was unaware of their illegal status. His Kenyan accomplice, Dennis Ng’ang’a, claimed he didn’t realize it was an offense, as ants are sold and even eaten locally.

Magistrate Thuku described their actions as part of an “elaborate scheme” to exploit the country’s wildlife.

Experts have raised concerns over the growing trend of trafficking lesser-known species. Entomologist Shadrack Muya, from Jomo Kenyatta University, emphasized that ants play a critical role in ecosystems, from aerating soils to dispersing seeds. Removing ants from their natural habitats can lead to serious ecological consequences, as they often cannot adapt to new environments without proper care.

The case shines a light on the emerging and concerning issue of wildlife trafficking, where even creatures like ants are targeted for profit at the expense of local ecosystems.

Source: AP News  – Two Belgian teenagers found with 5,000 ants in Kenya given $7,700 fine or 1-year prison sentence

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Sweden has begun its annual wolf hunt this week, with the government permitting the culling of nearly 10% of the country’s endangered wolf population. This decision has raised alarms among conservationists, who argue that it goes against European Union (EU) law. The controversial policy, which has been in place since 2010, allows licensed hunting of wolves within a set quota, but critics are concerned that it undermines efforts to protect the species.

A Controversial and Growing Issue

Since the 1970s, when wolves were hunted to near extinction in Sweden, their population has gradually rebounded, thanks in part to EU conservation efforts. However, the Swedish government has now approved the killing of 30 wolves out of an estimated 375. This move is part of the government’s wider strategy to reduce the wolf population from a minimum threshold of 300 to a new target of 170, known as the “favorable reference value” set by Sweden’s Environmental Protection Agency.

Despite their protected status, wolves are listed as “highly threatened” on The Swedish Red List, which monitors species at risk of extinction. The culling plan has sparked significant debate, with some conservationists asserting that the move contradicts both Sweden’s environmental commitments and the EU’s legal framework.

Concerns Over Genetic Diversity and Policy Shifts

Conservationists have raised concerns that reducing the wolf population could lead to genetic problems, making the species even more vulnerable in the long term. Staffan Widstrand, managing director of Wild Wonders International, stated that a country like Sweden should be able to support a healthy population of wild animals, including wolves. He criticized the Swedish government’s growing “anti-wildlife sentiment” and its more aggressive stance against carnivores compared to previous administrations.

Moreover, the decision to downgrade the wolf’s protection status has further alarmed environmental groups. Last month, the Council of Europe’s Bern Convention voted in favor of an EU proposal to reduce wolves’ legal protections from “strictly protected” to simply “protected,” giving EU member states greater flexibility in managing their wolf populations. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) condemned this move, calling it a “serious misstep” without scientific basis.

Political Influence Behind the Cull

Some conservationists argue that the Swedish government is using the wolf issue as a political bargaining tool. With only 3% of Sweden’s population actively involved in hunting, the 300,000 hunters in the country hold considerable political influence. According to Magnus Orrebrant, Chair of the Swedish Carnivore Association (SCA), hunting organizations have significant sway over both of Sweden’s main political parties, which are often closely divided in polls.

Orrebrant’s organization advocates for coexistence between humans and carnivorous animals, including wolves and bears. However, he is concerned that the government’s stance is being influenced by rural interests, particularly those of livestock farmers who view the wolf as a threat to their livelihoods.

The Growing Anti-Wolf Sentiment Across Europe

Sweden is not alone in grappling with anti-wolf sentiments. In other parts of Europe, such as Germany and Italy, the wolf population has increased, and tensions between conservation efforts and rural communities have grown. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, voiced her concerns in 2023, highlighting the dangers posed by concentrated wolf packs to livestock and, potentially, to humans.

Von der Leyen’s statement came under fire from conservation groups, including the WWF, who called it misleading and scientifically unfounded. Despite this, she supported the decision by the Bern Convention committee to relax wolf protections, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to preserve wildlife while protecting farming communities.

Wolves in Sweden: A Growing Problem for Rural Communities?

The wolf population in Sweden is growing, and with it, concerns from rural communities. Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren has argued that wolves are increasingly affecting Swedish society. He noted that parents are afraid to let children play outside, farmers are worried about their livestock, and dog owners fear for their pets.

However, conservationists like Beatrice Rindevall, chairperson of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, argue that the government is overhyping the threat. She pointed out that there has been no wolf attack on a human since 1821 and criticized the government for stoking unnecessary fear.

The Debate Over Wolf Protection in Europe

With the recent decision to downgrade the protection status of wolves in the EU, concerns are mounting that other countries may follow Sweden’s lead. If the EU decides to adopt the Bern Convention committee’s decision, countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain could implement similar culling policies, potentially leading to a broader decline in wolf populations across Europe.

Some argue that Sweden, as one of the wealthiest and most resourceful countries in the world, should be able to coexist with its wild animals, including wolves. Magnus Rydholm, from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management, supports the hunt as a necessary measure to protect livestock, particularly for smaller farmers who cannot afford expensive predator-proof fencing.

However, Rindevall questions the broader message Sweden’s actions send. She expressed concern that Sweden’s approach might undermine global conservation efforts, asking how the world can expect developing countries to preserve endangered species like tigers and elephants if Sweden, with its vast resources, is unable to coexist with wolves.

The Future of Wolves in Sweden and Europe

As Sweden continues its wolf culling policy, the debate between conservationists and rural communities is likely to intensify. The upcoming EU decisions on wolf protection could set a precedent for other European nations, further influencing the future of wolves across the continent. Whether Sweden will find a middle ground that balances wildlife conservation and the concerns of rural communities remains to be seen, but the situation is far from resolved.

Source

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For decades, caramel-colored mutts, affectionately known as “vira-lata caramelos,” have roamed Brazil’s streets—overlooked, abandoned, and undervalued. Today, these resilient street dogs are enjoying an unprecedented moment in the spotlight, celebrated in pop culture, social media, and even legislation.

A Symbol of Brazilian Spirit

The caramelo’s rise to fame highlights its status as a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness, reflecting the spirit of Brazil’s 213 million people. Once dismissed as stray “trashcan tippers,” caramelos now embody a sense of national pride, representing the diverse, “crazy mixture” of Brazil’s history and culture.

Netflix’s upcoming film Caramelo captures this zeitgeist. Directed by Diego Freitas, the movie portrays a plucky caramel-colored mutt navigating life’s challenges, symbolizing the resilience and charm of these beloved dogs. “The caramelo is the spirit of our time,” Freitas said, emphasizing its significance as a cultural icon.

From Memes to Cultural Movements

The caramelo’s rise began online in 2019, with memes and tributes praising their antics. Videos of caramelos performing CPR in training drills or playfully disrupting events went viral. Petitions followed, urging the government to feature the caramelo on currency. While the campaigns didn’t succeed, they reinforced the dog’s cultural status.

Even international figures like Bruno Mars joined the craze, posing with caramelos during his Brazilian tour. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro’s Sao Clemente samba school plans to feature the caramelo in its 2025 Carnival parade, highlighting themes of animal abandonment and resilience.

A History of Heroism

The caramelo’s cultural significance isn’t new. One of Brazil’s most iconic caramelos, Bruto, accompanied troops in the Paraguayan War 150 years ago. Bruto’s heroics—alerting soldiers to danger and surviving gunfire—earned him posthumous fame. Today, his taxidermied form is a cherished relic at Rio’s military police museum.

Caramelos continue to bond with Brazil’s police forces. One Rio battalion adopted a caramelo in 2018, granting it the rank of sergeant—a testament to the enduring connection between these dogs and the communities they serve.

Challenges Persist

Despite their fame, caramelos often remain overlooked for adoption. Shelters report that caramelos are still passed over in favor of smaller, fluffier breeds. At the Indefesos shelter in Rio, about half of the 217 dogs in care are caramelos. Puppies are often adopted last, and adult caramelos face slim chances of finding homes.

Rosana Guerra, president of Indefesos, laments this reality. “It’s absurd. When a caramelo grows up, it rarely gets adopted. They wait for homes that never come.”

Hope Through Storytelling

Netflix’s Caramelo aims to change that narrative. The film tells the heartwarming story of a stray dog transforming the life of a career-focused chef, promoting a message of compassion and action. Six dogs featured in the film have already found loving homes, adopted by crew members after filming wrapped.

Diego Freitas hopes the movie will inspire Brazilians to embrace these incredible dogs. “They change our lives,” he said, with his own caramelo by his side.

As Brazil continues to celebrate the caramelo, its story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, kindness, and the transformative power of love—qualities that resonate far beyond its caramel-colored fur.

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In a significant victory against wildlife trafficking, Thailand is returning nearly 1,000 critically endangered animals to their native Madagascar. The repatriation effort, which began on Saturday, is the largest of its kind between the two nations, according to Thai officials.

The animals, including spider tortoises, radiated tortoises, ring-tailed lemurs, and brown lemurs, are among the world’s most endangered species, as listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These species are highly prized in Asia as exotic pets, but their survival is jeopardized by the challenges of recreating their natural habitats.

In May, Thai police rescued 1,117 animals during an anti-trafficking operation in Chumphon province. Tragically, eight animals were already dead, and several others succumbed later due to malnutrition and stress from being smuggled.

At an official ceremony in Bangkok, Thai authorities formally handed over 961 surviving animals to Madagascan officials. The animals are being transported via three flights operated by Qatar Airways.

Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, emphasized the country’s commitment to fighting wildlife trafficking and ensuring the welfare of seized animals. Attapol Charoenchansa, director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, expressed hope that this operation would discourage future trafficking.

“By showcasing these efforts globally, we send a clear message that such practices are unacceptable, regardless of wealth or intent,” Charoenchansa stated.

Conservation group Traffic hailed the effort as a powerful example of international cooperation in addressing the wildlife trafficking crisis. The group noted that illegal wildlife trade poses the second-largest threat to Madagascar’s biodiversity, a haven for many unique and vulnerable species.

Thailand, identified as a major importer of wildlife from Madagascar in Southeast Asia, has played a significant role in the trade. Between 1975 and 2019, nearly 35,000 animals and animal products from Madagascar were exported to Thailand, directly or indirectly, highlighting the ongoing challenges in curbing this illicit industry.

This repatriation stands as a beacon of hope for the protection and preservation of Madagascar’s unparalleled natural heritage.

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