UAE: Abandoned pet cases on the rise post Covid, say animal rescue groups

The number of pet abandonment cases has generally been on an upward trend over the past two years, with rescue groups in the country having to investigate at least one case of a dumped dog or a cat every day.

Some rescue groups have said the numbers have risen considerably after the UAE has largely recovered from pandemic-induced lockdowns. Office goers in the country enthusiastically adopted or bought household pets amid the lockdown, assuming it would last forever, said rescuers.

"Now that they have to go back to the office, they're perplexed as to who will take care of the helpless animal," Amanda Stevens, an animal rescue activist and owner of a pet sitting company Paw Central, told Khaleej Times.

"Inexperienced owners end up handing the animal to rescue groups, kennels, or worse, dumping it in the middle of the streets," said Amanda. Moreover, several rescue cases are found tortured, beaten, starved, overbred, and sometimes with maggot-infested wounds.

Abuse cases gain nationwide attention after UAE royals step in to help

Over the past several weeks and months, animal cruelty and abandonment cases have gained nationwide attention, especially after members of the UAE ruling families came forward to save the unfortunate creatures.

A stray dog that was left with severe wounds after being shot several times with an air gun is now under the care of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Grace, a Saluki mix, was rescued by the Bubbles Pet Rescue group after being found wounded in the Al Barashi area of Sharjah last month. Similarly, Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmed Al Maktoum adopted Midnight, a mixed-breed female dog that was starved, abused, beaten and overbred.

In the most recent case where irresponsible owners rescued a locked-out Husky with involvement from Dubai Police and Municipality, Amanda said many dogs being dumped are expensive breeds of working dogs such as Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds.

"These are working dogs that have a lot of energy. They need mental stimulation. Back in their natural habitat, huskies are sled-pulling dogs. Many people are buying or adopting these breeds without doing enough research on what is needed for the upkeep and maintenance of the dog," she explained.

Amanda also stated that huskies, malamutes, and snow dogs are bred in the country or imported from abroad.

"Many rescue cases do not have microchips, nor are they vaccinated. This could only mean they are bred locally," she stated. Amanda said she has successfully been able to rehome several huskies and malamutes to Germany, Denmark, and Amsterdam after they were dumped in the UAE.

Why do people dump their pets?

Amirah William, the founder and manager of the Stray Dogs Center in Umm Al Quwain, said her organisation has rescued over 8,000 animals, and approximately 7,000 have been rehomed since 2014.

"Funding is by far the biggest challenge we face. We are solely reliant on public support to operate. Whether that is through corporate or individual sponsorship, fee-paying activities, adoption charges and fundraising," said Amirah.

"The biggest mistake is people thinking pets are easy to care for, especially puppies," she said.

Experts have always maintained puppies need constant attention. "Before deciding to adopt, one has to ask themselves: Can I afford the costs associated with pet ownership? Can I provide the animal food, appropriate shelter, pay the vet bills, training, if needed, and relocation costs?" said Amirah.

Amirah also said several individuals who have to abandon their pets opt to rehome the pets themselves. However, there is a negative stigma attached which is why some people choose to dump. "The best option is to surrender to a shelter or rescue group," she said.

Similarly, the founder of the non-profit Animals and Us Shelter in Fujairah, Michelle Francis, said, "Most people don't have animal welfare at their heart. They think pets are accessories, and many people get pets because someone else has it like they are following a trend."

Michelle said, "Once the trend stops, where they think of pets as accessories, I think it will solve many problems." Moreover, during Covid-19, more people were fostering pets.

"We have come across amazing people who love their animals. However, I don't think the recent abandonments are only due to the resumption of normal activities post-Covid. As shelter organisations, we would not place animals just because people felt lonely during the pandemic. We are very strict with adoptions and fostering," she said.

Meanwhile, some instances of passing-on of pets have also happened because pet parents are genuinely unable to take care of their pets. "A single mother who came to us with a Golden Retriever said her child is having too much anxiety around the dog," she said. Amanda also called for stricter penalties and actions against people who breed pets and sell them for money.

What is Take, Neuter and Release?

Melissa Whitehead, a PR professional and an animal rescue enthusiast, said, "There are so many homeless cats and dogs in the UAE, with a few kindhearted people going out of their way to help the situation. I have assisted in the process of TRN – Take, Neuter and Release."

- dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com