February 1, 2008

BAGHDAD – Bombs were detonated inside two of Baghdad's pet markets today, killing at least 64 people, wounding an estimated 82 more and taking the lives of an undocumented number of animals.

According to CNN, pet markets sell everything from birds to dogs and other exotic animals. It is unknown how many animals were injured or killed, or what is being done to aid the injured.

The U.S. Army does have a veterinary corps present in Baghdad – no reports have come in as to the condition of the animals from today's bombing.

Iraqi culture doesn't recognize dogs as pets – instead considers them unclean, and similar to raccoons or foxes. At best, a canine can hope to spend its life as a guard dog – but rarely would you find one sleeping on the end of an Iraqi's bed. There are very few cats there – unless you consider the tigers at the Baghdad Zoo.

Pet Pulse has learned that many dogs there are wild, and are often shot because of the danger they pose.

Iraqi markets, or bazaars are popular shopping centers. Until recently, shopping had been limited because of frequent attacks. But increased American presence had quelled citizens' fears of what had for long been an easy target for bombers. Those concerns re-emerged yesterday, following the attacks.

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