Thousands of pets are being abandoned in Dubai as their owners flee the Middle East due to the ongoing Iran war, animal charities have reported. The RSPCA has warned that animals could become 'hidden victims' of the conflict, with many UK nationals who relocated to the Gulf city struggling to bring their pets when they leave.
Hannah Mainds, chief executive of the RSPCA Blackpool and north Lancashire branch, who previously lived in Dubai, described the situation as heartbreaking. 'Some pets were microchipped and clearly once loved, but their families had gone. It's frightening for the animals,' she said. She urged pet owners to have a proper plan in place for their animals.
Charities in the UAE are overwhelmed. K9 Friends, a dog rescue charity, reported a surge in abandoned pets, stating: '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 they are at full capacity, with every room and space taken, and calls for help continuing.
The Six Hounds animal sanctuary added that daily requests are coming in, and all shelters are overloaded, underfunded, and understaffed. The RSPCA noted that the UK has an agreement with the UAE allowing pets to return without quarantine. Meanwhile, Dubai Municipality has launched 12 AI-powered feeding stations for stray animals, though abandoning pets remains illegal, with fines of up to tens of thousands of pounds.
