Community Report
My home in Al Barsha, Dubai, is also home to over 216 rescued animals from around the UAE. In an effort to build awareness and educate people about animal rights, I opened up the doors to anyone who is interested in learning.
Last week, a group of children with special needs from the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre visited my home. Although initially a little frightened, the children were quickly charmed by the animals. They relaxed, smiled and began petting and playing with them. Most of them fell in love with the cats, but the rabbits and ponies were definitely their favourite.
Such educational experiences are essential in the lives of children. They are able to understand why they shouldn't kick cats, for instance, or the kind of care they must give their pet bunnies. When children are taught to show a little kindness and compassion at an early age, it sets the tone for them as adults. They become more sensitive and caring.
We also want people to realise the responsibility of owning a pet. Most of the animals at my farm have been abandoned and abused. I have often been surprised to receive animals that I have never seen before in my life — they are brought to the UAE from far-off places like Argentina and forced to live in a climate that doesn't suit them. Buying these wild animals harms them irreversibly. You also have to know what you are getting into when obtaining a pet. Dogs for instance, can live up to 14 years — are you ready to take up the responsibility of owning one for the rest of his or her life? These are some of the issues we try to address when students make their school trips to my home.
It would also help greatly if such issues are explored in schools. Only through educational programmes and such field trips can the attitude of people begin to change. It all begins with our children.
For more information on scheduling a visit, log on to www.darcuae.com.
— The reader is the founder of Dubai Animal Rescue Centre
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