Dubai Pet Abandonment: Iran War Fears Fuel Crisis

Thousands of pets are being abandoned in Dubai as their owners flee the Middle East amid escalating conflict, animal charities report. The situation has led to shelters being overwhelmed and concerns that pets are becoming “hidden victims” of the crisis.

Pets Left Behind in Dubai Amidst Regional Conflict

The RSPCA stated that pets belonging to fleeing UK nationals are particularly vulnerable as people urgently seek to exit the region and face difficulties transporting their animals. Approximately 45,000 British nationals have left the Middle East since March 1.

Hannah Mainds, chief executive of the RSPCA Blackpool and north Lancashire branch, who previously lived in Dubai, described finding abandoned pets who were once clearly loved. “Some [pets] 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. 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,” Mainds added.

Animal shelters in the United Arab Emirates have seen a surge in abandoned pets. K9 Friends, a dog rescue charity, reported that many pets are being left behind as people are forced to leave the UAE suddenly.

“We are doing everything we can to care for animals that have been left at the shelter while continuing to support the dogs already in our care,” K9 Friends said.

Dubai Street Kitties, an organization assisting cats, posted on Instagram that they are at full capacity, receiving constant requests for help with injured, abandoned, and orphaned kittens.

The Six Hounds animal sanctuary stated they are receiving daily requests and are currently overloaded, underfunded, and understaffed.

K9 Friends stated they can provide contacts, help, and information for those attempting to leave the country. The RSPCA noted that the UK has an agreement with the UAE allowing pets to return home without quarantine.

In response to the increase in stray animals, the Dubai Municipality has launched 12 AI-powered feeding stations across the city. Abandoning pets in the UAE is illegal and punishable by fines of up to tens of thousands of pounds.