A cat is given a wash after more than 140 others were found dumped in a desert lot in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Courtesy Chiku Singh
Pet shelters in the United Arab Emirates are noticing a concerning trend. As temperatures rise in the summer months, more pets are being abandoned. Families in the UAE often leave for extended vacations to escape the extreme heat, leaving their pets behind in shelters or even on the streets. Last winter, 140 cats were found abandoned in the Abu Dhabi desert.
The animal rights organization PETA is offering a $5,000 reward for information on those responsible for dumping the cats. They emphasize the importance of spaying, neutering, and adopting from shelters to address the homeless animal crisis in the UAE.
Managing partner Souheil Abdulla expressed disappointment in the lack of responsibility shown by pet owners who abandon their pets, particularly cats. He emphasized that pets should be treated as family members, not disposable accessories.
With climate change exacerbating living conditions in some regions, more pets and people may become displaced. Organizations like the RAK Animal Welfare Centre and the Sharjah Cats and Dogs Shelter in the UAE work to rescue and rehome abandoned animals.
