11.9K Views 3 years ago

Over 140 Cats Dumped to Die in Abu Dhabi Desert, Prompting Outrage

White and orange stray cat in desert. Stray cats dumped desert

Over 140 cats, as well as two dogs, were abandoned and left to die in the Abu Dhabi desert. The animals were discovered in the al-Falah area. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Temperatures in the area where the cats were discovered can climb to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Many of the cats were found dead in the sand, or trapped inside the carriers they were abandoned in. Others had been left loose but without access to food, shelter, or water. The horrifying incident has prompted a government investigation and outrage from animal lovers as well as animal advocacy groups.

Source: Lovin Dubai/YouTube

Volunteers rushed to the site upon the cat’s discovery. So far, 94 cats and one dog have been rescued. However, 60 dead cats and one dead husky have also been found. Many of the rescued cats were extremely ill after their ordeal. The majority of them were suffering from malnutrition and/or dehydration. Some were so weak that they were unable to walk. Many volunteers continue to search for remaining animals who may have wandered further into the desert.

The cats were discovered near a government-run animal shelter which maintains that they were unaware of the event. Of the animals who have been recovered, many were found to have microchips. Concerningly, some showed signs of having recently been neutered. Additionally, some cats were found still inside their carriers. At this time, ten microchipped cats have been returned to their homes in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, began a Trap Neuter Release program in 2008. TNR programs catch stray animals, neuter or spay them, provide other necessary medical care, and release them back into the area where they are found. These programs help to control stray animal populations. Although officials in the Middle Eastern city say that the TNR program aligns with animal welfare guidelines, contractors are employees to help carry out the program. According to the news site Al Arabiya English, many of the animal rescuers felt that the cats might have been dumped by the contracted pest controllers.

Sadly, animal dumping such as this remains common in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other areas of the United Arab Emirates. According to an open letter written by the International Organization for Animal Protection, this case was “not an isolated episode”. They state that there are other known dumping sites where animals are regularly left.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transportation has begun an investigation into the events. The government body is encouraging anyone with knowledge about the event to report it. However, local animal advocates have stated that they feel the government needs to implement systemic changes in their treatment of stray animals to prevent instances like this from occurring again. The incident has also drawn outrage and condemnation from Animal rights organizations around the world, including PETA.

Stray animals around the world are treated abysmally. They may be tortured, poisoned, shot, or otherwise brutalized. Sadly, much of their mistreatment is government-sanctioned. Sign this petition to Protect Stray Animals!