ABU DHABI: For Dr Susan Aylott, cats are family and she lives with 29 of them.
Most of her feline housemates, however, are handicapped. “They got here through the rescue operations I have undertaken across Abu Dhabi,” said Dr Aylott, founder of AWAD, a community-based voluntary group aimed at improving the lives of stray animals.
“There are lots of stray cats (especially kittens) in the capital and they are suffering due to overpopulation, lack of food, negligence and cruelty (by humans),” she said.
For and by the community
This month, Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi (AWAD) set out to sterilise 100 cats across the city and have almost reached their target. The services of the group also extend to rehabilitation of monkeys, turtles, terrapins, ostriches and any other creature they can help. When she came to Abu Dhabi from London seven years ago, Dr Aylott noticed the growing stray cat population here. In April 2015 she started AWAD. “We are not funded by any organisation nor do we take any money. We exist simply on the kindness and compassion of the community,” she said.
The group provides food, water and shelter to strays where possible and advocates a comprehensive Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) programme.
Operation Trap, Neuter, Return
Last March AWAD successfully held its first field clinic to sterilise street cats. The temporary clinic was set up on Lulu island, which is home to over 160 Arabian Mau cats. A team of eight volunteers, including veterinary surgeons and volunteers transferred equipment, traps and medical supplies to the island by boat for the surgeries.
The veterinary team comprised Dr Martin Wyness from the British Veterinary Clinic, Dr Helen Baker and Claire Hayes from the Australian Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi, all providing their time and surgical skills for free.
Within two hours, 12 male cats were trapped, sterilised and had their ears clipped before being returned to their existing locations. “Our next step is to repeat the field clinic to include female spay surgery,” said Dr Aylott. “Our future plans include procuring a mobile sterilisation vehicle to treat the cats at source.”
Mimi P., a volunteer, said: “It felt fantastic to get out there and help the animals. It was a joint effort and the most satisfying feeling was that we were doing something, rather than complaining about the growing stray problem.”
Emma Button, who has been taking time out from her managerial job to volunteer with AWAD since its inception, said: “Field TNR is really humane, stress-free and sustainable process for the cats. We hope to roll out more such trips in the future.”
“We are inviting veterinarians, veterinary students and volunteers to participate in the field clinics,” said Dr Aylott. “If you have a stray animal problem, please feel free to contact us for TNR or rehabilitation.”
For more information, visit the facebook page AnimalWalfareAD.com
