Abu Dhabi: An Abu Dhabi-based volunteer group, Animal Action, has launched an urgent appeal to find homes for an increasing number of abandoned animals.
“This summer we had an influx of calls to our organisation with people looking to send their pets to us. Last year we would usually have one call every three days, whereas this summer we were receiving at least three calls a day, so we are at a crisis level this year, ” Sarah Bartlett, a volunteer at Animal Action, told Gulf News on Monday.
Animal Action was established in 2010 by a group of volunteers who wanted to help with the issue of homeless animals in Abu Dhabi.
Bartlett said the group is currently looking after 130 abandoned dogs and cats.
There are a number of reasons behind the increase in people giving up their pets during the summer.
“Abu Dhabi has seen an increase in its population, and a number of people are looking to have pets, so what you have are people with more pets. As a result, this also means more pets are getting abandoned. Another issue is that boarding homes are also often full, so there’s nowhere for people to leave their pets.”
“The cost of boarding homes are expensive as well. You’re looking at Dh100-Dh150 per day, and with many people going abroad for one month or more, you are looking at a high figure to board your animal,” she said.
The organisation has come up with several plans as part of their crisis appeal.
“With many people coming back from their summer holidays, we are looking to contact them and encourage them to take in some of our animals. That way it will free up space for us to take in more animals as we are currently full and can’t take in any more.”
“We are also looking for foster homes. What this means is that people take in the animal for a few days or even a few months until we can find a permanent home for the animal. This means that the people who take in the animal don’t have to commit themselves entirely to the animal, as it’s something short-term,” she said.
Animal Action is also looking for urgent donations, with Bartlett explaining how the organisation is completely funded by outside donations.
“All of the donations go towards looking after the animals, such as medical check-ups which are very costly. The volunteers at Animal Action don’t take a salary. None of the money goes into our pockets, it all goes into looking after the animals in our care.”
Animal Action plans to launch its crisis appeal through social networking sites, as well as through media and radio outlets to get the message across.
