During the hot summer months in the UAE, more and more pets are being abandoned by their owners as families head out on vacations. This trend has raised concerns among pet care experts who have noticed an increase in the number of abandoned animals. Some pet owners opt to leave their animals in the care of clinics or shelters before they travel, while others resort to abandoning them on the streets. Souheil Abdulla, managing partner at Pure Life Veterinarian Treatment, expressed disappointment over this behavior, highlighting the lack of responsibility shown by some pet owners.
Abdulla shared that owners often choose to abandon their pets instead of making arrangements for their care during their absence. He mentioned that some pet owners contact clinics to surrender their pets before they travel, as they do not want the responsibility of caring for them while away. However, due to limited availability, some clinics may refuse to accept surrendered animals, leading to pets being abandoned on the streets or left at restaurants. This alarming trend is a cause of concern for pet care professionals in the UAE.
Serbian expat Andrea Petrovic, who has lived in the UAE for eight years, has also witnessed the rise in abandoned pets in the region. She criticized owners who neglect their pets during vacation periods, leaving them without proper care or nourishment. Petrovic emphasized the need for stricter laws to hold pet owners accountable for their actions, suggesting that all pets should be linked to their owner’s Emirates ID to track them if they are abandoned. She has also reached out to the Ministry of Climate Change about the issue of abandoned pets in the country.
As more pets are left behind during the summer vacation season, residents like Ahmed M have stepped up to help stray animals in their neighborhoods. Ahmed noticed several stray cats in the Nad al Hamar area, some of which appeared to have once been owned pets due to their collars. Moved by their suffering, Ahmed took it upon himself to feed the stray cats regularly, showing compassion for these animals in need. However, feeding stray animals is considered a punishable offense under UAE law, and residents are advised to contact the appropriate authorities to report stray animals instead.
The rise in pet abandonments during peak vacation periods underscores the importance of increased responsibility and accountability from pet owners in the UAE. The lack of consideration and care for animals during vacation periods is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed through stricter laws and enforcement. By raising awareness about the issue of abandoned pets and promoting responsible pet ownership, the UAE can work towards reducing the number of animals left behind during vacation seasons. Residents are encouraged to take action and report abandoned animals to the relevant authorities to ensure their well-being and safety.
