Thousands of pets are being abandoned in Dubai as their owners flee the Middle East due to the Iran war, animal charities have reported. The RSPCA warned that pets of fleeing UK nationals could become 'hidden victims' of the conflict, as people who relocated to the Gulf city scramble for an exit and struggle to bring their animals.
Last week, the UK government operated an emergency evacuation flight for people leaving the Middle East as the war continued. Approximately 45,000 British nationals have left the region since 1 March. Hannah Mainds, chief executive of the RSPCA Blackpool and north Lancashire branch, who previously lived in Dubai, helped care for pets left behind after their owners suddenly departed.
'Some [pets] were microchipped and clearly once loved, but their families had gone. It's heartbreaking for rescuers and frightening for the animals,' Mainds said. 'Animals shouldn't become the forgotten victims when people leave a country in a crisis. Pets rely entirely on their owners. They can't understand why their family has suddenly disappeared – so we urge those facing uncertainty to remember their animals and get a proper plan in place.'
Animal shelters in the United Arab Emirates have reported an increase in abandoned pets. K9 Friends, a charity that rescues abandoned dogs, stated: 'Due to the current situation, some people are being forced to leave the UAE suddenly, and sadly many pets are being left behind.' Dubai Street Kitties posted on Instagram that the charity was overwhelmed: 'We are at full capacity. Every room is full. Every space is taken. And still, the calls do not stop.'
The RSPCA noted that the UK has an agreement with the UAE so that pets do not need quarantining when brought back home. K9 Friends said it could provide contacts and information for people trying to leave with their pets. The Dubai Municipality has launched 12 AI-powered feeding stations across the city to address the rise in stray cats and dogs. It is illegal to abandon pets in the UAE, punishable by fines of up to tens of thousands of pounds.
