Baghdad kills 58,000 stray dogs in 3-month span http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38178898/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/?GT1=43001
In much of the middle east and asia, dogs are not culturally viewed as pets. They're a symbol of filth and vermin.
This is true. Meanwhile cats are free to roam in that region and congregate like rats wherever dumpsters may be found.