Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has been the recent site of a troubling incident that has ignited international concern and led to a government inquiry. Over 140 cats, comprising various breeds, including non-native Persians, were discovered abandoned in a desert lot, triggering outrage from animal rights organizations worldwide.
According to Chiku Shergill, an Abu Dhabi resident who participated in the rescue efforts, these helpless felines were left to die either trapped within their carriers or left to roam the harsh desert without sustenance, shelter, or water.
The distressing discovery unfolded just across the highway from the government-operated Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter in the residential area of al Falah. However, the shelter claimed it had no prior knowledge of the incident and offered no further comments.
Rescuers, driven by compassion, have counted a tragic toll of 50 deceased cats on the premises but have managed to save 95 others since the incident came to light on September 28. Additionally, a golden retriever was rescued from the dire situation, while a husky, sadly, did not survive. The fact that some of the animals had been microchipped suggests that they were not strays but were once cared for by individuals.
International animal rights organizations and activists have decried this incident, highlighting the cruelty involved. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal rights group, has offered a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the identification of the individuals responsible for abandoning these cats in the unforgiving desert.
Jason Baker, Vice-President of PETA Asia, stated, “This act of cruelty must not be swept under the rug… The solution to the homeless-animal crisis is spaying and neutering and adopting from overworked and understaffed shelters, which PETA Asia has been asking the UAE to require for years.”
In response to the outcry, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced on Wednesday that it would launch a thorough investigation into the incident. The DMT urged the public to come forward with any pertinent information, pledging to take appropriate action against those found responsible.
Dr. Katherine Polak, Vice President of Companion Animals at Humane Society International, expressed satisfaction at the authorities’ commitment to addressing this matter earnestly.
Meanwhile, a dedicated team of volunteers is working tirelessly, even taking time off from their regular jobs, to continue rescuing the abandoned cats. Their efforts include microchipping the felines and finding them suitable homes. In a heartening development, ten pet cats from Dubai, located an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi, were identified through microchips and reunited with their homes.
Notably, Abu Dhabi initiated a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program back in 2008, aiming to manage the population of feral and stray cats, primarily through the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter. The program claims to adhere to “international animal welfare guidelines” and focuses on releasing animals back to their original trapping locations.
