Dubai: A two-year-old pedigree saluki dog was probably left to roam the streets and farms of Al Khawaneej about a year ago until he was spotted by a farm worker. Scrawny and dehydrated, the young dog had also been shot with an air rifle.
Animal cruelty tales continue to emerge from different welfare groups set up across the country where clusters of volunteers share the responsibility and cost among them to help, treat and find homes for abandoned pets.
Once left to stray, animals quickly catch diseases. Skin irritations and malnutrition follow. Lame dogs become the target of cruelty while kittens are left to perish behind dumpsters.
The scenario is all too familiar for Raghad Auttabashi from Syria, based in Abu Dhabi.
She who found herself on the side of Shaikh Zayed Road near Mushrif at one of the busiest times of the year — iftar, days before Eid Al Fitr — to rescue a dog pacing up and down the central reservation.
Compassion
Raghad set up an animal welfare group called Al Rahma, which means compassion in Arabic, after she lost her job during the financial crisis. "I wasn't the only one and many people had to leave quickly but didn't hesitate to leave their animals behind," she said.
Thanks to calls from watchmen, security guards and good samaritans, Raghad has rescued dogs from empty, unfurnished apartments where just a plate of food was left on the ground.
A man in Abu Dhabi residing in an apartment tied up seven salukis in an empty lot behind an empty building because he lacked space for them at home — the dogs have now been found a home in a farm in Al Dhaid.
But most of the animals would not have had a fighting chance were it not for vets who offer their time and expertise at low rates to assist the volunteers.
Dr Sabine Schadler from Blue Oasis Pet Care in the Green Community said the clinic has treated over 50 abandonment cases through Raghad in less than three months.
The mixed-breed dog found on Shaikh Zayed Road has been nicknamed High and apart from a healing skin irritation is doing much better.
"Thanks to Abu Dhabi Police I was able to go and pick him up," said Raghad, after three police patrol cars came to help her cross the seven-lane highway to collect the dog.
"I only wish each emirate had a dedicated team for animal rescue."
High was covered with tics and fleas and taken to Lucky Vets in Al Barsha where vets patiently removed all the tics and treated him. High is boarding at Blue Oasis until a new family is found for him.
"People have left this country without taking responsibility for their animals," said Schadler. She operated on Sal, a two-year-old pedigree saluki, to remove an air-rifle pellet stuck under his skin. "Salukis have broad ribs and the bullet was wedged between the skin and the rib, but it could easily have caused more damage. He was probably also beaten because there are so many marks on him that are more than just scratches." she said.
"It's amazing how quickly dogs want to trust no matter what has happened to them," said Schadler.
Help: Report cruelty
If you see animal cruelty, call Al Rahma Animal Welfare at 050 682 9291
Have you witnessed animal abuse? Did you report the incident? What do you think could be done to improve animal welfare?
