Thousands of pets are being abandoned in Dubai as their owners flee the Middle East because of the Iran war, animal charities have said. The RSPCA warned that pets of fleeing UK nationals could become 'hidden victims' of the conflict as people scramble for an exit and struggle to bring their animals. About 45,000 British nationals have left the region since 1 March, with the UK government operating an emergency evacuation flight last week.
Hannah Mainds, chief executive of the RSPCA Blackpool and north Lancashire branch, previously lived in Dubai and helped care for pets left behind. 'Some were microchipped and clearly once loved, but their families had gone. It's heartbreaking for rescuers and frightening for the animals,' she said. 'Animals shouldn't become the forgotten victims when people leave a country in a crisis.'
Animal shelters in the UAE report being overwhelmed. K9 Friends, a dog rescue charity, said: '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 every room is full and calls for help do not stop. Six Hounds animal sanctuary added: 'Daily requests are coming in. All of us are overloaded and underfunded and understaffed.'
The Dubai Municipality has responded to the rise in stray cats and dogs by launching 12 AI-powered feeding stations across the city. It is illegal to abandon pets in the UAE, with fines of up to tens of thousands of pounds for those caught. The RSPCA noted that the UK has an agreement with the UAE so pets do not need quarantining when brought back home.
