Dubai: Animal rescue centres in the UAE are up in arms against an unidentified man who is seeking dogs for dogfights.
Animal charities, rescue centres and pet owners have reported receiving e-mails from the man, identified as Bores, asking to adopt their most aggressive dogs so he can use them in fights.
"On January 14, I was contacted by a man called Bores. He wrote in reference to an online advert regarding the adoption of Tayson, one of our abandoned dogs," says Kristina Romanova Cocco, a volunteer with Animal Action Abu Dhabi, a Dubai-based animal rescue centre.
"My heart stopped when he wrote: ‘When can I see the champ? Is he strong? Aggressive? I hope he is, as his name is super cool. I can pick up the champ today or tomorrow so I prepare the champ for the competition'.
"Unfortunately, he doesn't understand the meaning of no. In subsequent e-mails he wrote ‘accidents sometimes happen, we usually treat the injured dogs fast and efficient. A lot of people enjoy watching it [dog fighting] as it is not 100 per cent bloody. … It is better to the dog to have a chance in life or to die with honour and to earn the name Gladiator… Better to become a champ.'"
"Dogs die a slow and painful death during organised dogfighting," says Cocco. "They do not get medical assistance, they end up with crushed bones and bleed to death, all for the pleasure of human beings. I ask everyone to help give a voice to these poor creatures. They do not deserve the painful death and unbearable pain they are put through by people like Bores," she said.
Not the only one
Cocco wasn't the only person to receive such requests. Ellen Quanjer, manager, Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre, says they too were contacted. "I checked the name [Bores] and e-mail address [party1100@hotmail.com] and was shocked to find that it was the same man who wanted the dogs. As to why he had asked for cats instead, I have been informed that cats are often used as bait in dog fights," says the Dutch manager.
In an attempt to find out more about him, Quanjer asked him to come to the RAK centre.
That was the last she heard from him. She fears he may already have his hands on other cats people may have given him.
And that, according to Cocco, is one of the greatest dangers animals face: rescuers who give away their pets to the first person who shows interest. "This man may not always go under the name Bores. He could change his details," says Cocco. "It is imperative to put every potential adopter through a major vetting process, property checks, and proof of employment/lease agreement… the works."
Linda Tedd, an animal rescue volunteer, says, "How is this man able to openly state that he is preparing dogs for competitions when dogfighting is outlawed here?"
Despite being repeatedly turned down by various rescue centres, Bores sent another e-mail on January 19 to AUH Animal Rescue about their dog Tervuren, saying: "This is exactly the dog that will fit the fighting dog competition. When can I see the champ please?"
He followed it up with an e-mail saying: "I really need the dog. Okay, I promise not to participate in any competition. I want him for my kids. When can I come to take the champ?"
"His lies were obvious," says Cocco. "All his e-mails stated that he wants the dogs for the competition and that he has already paid Dh1,500 to participate."
Having heard the warning, Iranian animal lover Tina Reza was on alert when she was contacted by Bores inquiring about her foster German Shepherd Dexter. In an e-mail dated January 14, Bores wrote, "I need this dog ASAP. The competition is soon. Is the dog very strong? Is he aggressive? I live in The Springs.. I'm divorced and I have 5 kids, I'm 35... When can I see the champ?"
"I wrote back asking for his contact details, hoping that I could pass them on to the police. He wrote back saying he ‘can't take Dexter. I have seven dogs and one died today. I need to prepare the rest for the dog fight. It's a tough one, there is a big fighter there named the Gladiator... If another two-three dogs die, then Dexter is welcome to my home sweet home'."
