Restricted travel costs are forcing expats to leave their pets behind, as war worsens in the Gulf states
Many countries in the Middle East are being drawn into the Gulf conflict as Iranian missiles continue to strike sites within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the United States and Israel continue to bomb Iran.
According to the Telegraph, thousands of international expats have contacted the Foreign Office seeking to leave the country. As flights continue to be delayed, expats are desperately trying to depart, even if it means abandoning their pets due to travel restrictions and high costs.
Sources report that many dogs and cats were left on the streets as their owners fled the country. K9 Friends Dubai, a recognized dog-dehoming group, said on social media that it had been “overwhelmed with the number of calls for abandoned puppies or owners waiting to leave behind pets.”
Volunteers at animal shelters say the facilities have become overcrowded and are reaching their breaking point, making it difficult to care for all the animals equally.
The Telegraph further reports that anonymous volunteers have given statements saying that around 200 posts on WhatsApp and Facebook groups reported dogs being abandoned on the streets, often tied to poles. Many are even going as far as to have their healthy pets euthanised to avoid relocation paperwork.
A resident reported to the Telegraph a shocking note left at her doorstep, with a crate of a cat and four kittens.
She shared that the cats are now being taken care of in a foster home.
It comes as a shock to most, including War Paws charity, which describes the situation as incomprehensible, given that a wealthy country like the UAE could experience such levels of animal abandonment.
The organization’s chief executive officer, Louis Hastie stated: “It’s not just a problem here, it’s happening across Iraq and Ukraine”.
The Six Hounds Animal Sanctuary in Al Ain faces similar constraints, as fundraising in the UAE is heavily controlled and pages such as GoFundMe are prohibited.
As the Gulf War spreads across borders, there have also been reports of animals being left to die at the Oman border.
An animal welfare volunteer stated that “the airlines aren’t taking animals at the moment anyway, as the flights are operating a very reduced service”.
Volunteers urge the government to implement solutions to safeguard animals during the crisis, as the situation in the Middle East continues to worsen.
