Don't own pet animals, if you can't care for them

Animal Action UAE aims at rescuing as many abandoned animals as possible.

It's no longer a rare scene for residents to see cats and dogs lurking around their neighbourhood in UAE's capital.
Pet abandonment has become a nagging problem for the residents in the heart of Abu Dhabi's city, especially during summer.
A resident, Noor Al Den, who lives in Khalidiya, told Khaleej Times that summer season is the worst.
"When the summer holidays start, we instantly see pets being flooded around the area. I have two pet dogs and I find this really sad. At the same time, it makes me furious thinking about how certain owners can be so cruel to helpless creatures."
Al Den states that it all goes back to one's own responsibility.
"It's pretty straight; if you can't look after them, then don't buy," she said, adding that, "animals can't just be taken into a house because they look cute and once you feel bored, you can dump them on the streets."
Animal welfare organisers are equally frustrated with the careless owners who simply leave their pets on the streets to starve and live in poor conditions.
Animal Action UAE, which was established by an Abu Dhabi resident, is one among many organisations who wanted to create awareness on this negative trend of pet disposal.
Sarah Bartlett, spokeswoman for Animal Action UAE, told Khaleej Times that they aim at rescuing as many abandoned animals as possible.
"We have rescued more than 600 animals, and today more than 10,500 people follow our Facebook group (for sheltering them)."
Bartlett said that the organisation tries to connect animal lovers through Facebook, which has been a tremendous success so far.
"We do not have a shelter," she said, adding that, "we rely on a network of hundreds of unpaid volunteers across the UAE - a small group of veterinary doctors and other volunteers - who foster the animals in their homes.
The organisation also relies on donations to cover medical bills, which often stagger up to Dh40,000 per month. "Every single dirham donations into that account is spent on medical bills," she said.
Even if organisations are willing to take care of abandoned animals, the core issue is all about educating pet owners. Besides, lack of empathy and responsibility also lead to pet abandonments.
Bartlett believes that it is therefore critical to conduct a proper research before taking on a pet.
"Don't judge the animal on its looks or whether it is a 'pure' breed. Judge it on whether it will fit with your family, your lifestyle, your home environment and your budget." She also highlighted that when one is convinced to have a pet, then adoption is always the best option.
"Sale of pets have become a lucrative business in the country. Most of the animals are bred in poor conditions, which is illegal."
Bartlett also shared some of the severe cases that she witnessed.
"One of them, [an abandoned dog], was hit by a car and had his head split wide open. We rescued him before the wound turned septic. He survived and is now living happily in his first ever home."
Bartlett shared another case of such animal abuse, which are found too often.
"Recently, we rescued a beautiful mixed breed dog, we called Judy, from a construction site in Reem Island. Judy had been stabbed in the shoulders by a man who pulled up in a car and attacked her," she described.
Bartlett, therefore, urges anyone who is keen on providing a loving home for animals, who are vaccinated and medically fit, to contact the group through their Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/AnimalActionUAE).
"Every time you buy an animal from a pet store, another animal in a shelter is destined to remain homeless and a breeder will be encouraged to breed more, so the cycle continues."
Though pet abandonment seems like a common practice, it's crucial to understand the responsibilities involved in adopting or leaving them on the streets.
Don't forget, your pet relies solely on you to be its parent the day you decide to bring it home. Therefore, providing endless care is all one needed to do.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi