Numbers of abandoned dogs in UAE soar as owners ‘lose interest’ | The National

Dog at animal shelter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

DUBAI // Internet sales of pedigree dogs are leading to larger numbers being dumped on the streets or in shelters, animal welfare charities warn.

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Topic UAE Topics Abu Dhabi Dubai

Jackie Ratcliffe, chairwoman of K9 Friends, said people were buying pedigree breeds such as dobermans or huskies because they look “small and cute”, but lose interest when they get older and bigger.

“A lot are found in the street in a terrible state,” Ms Ratcliffe said. “They are covered in ticks and are starving. It is because people buy them as cute puppies and then throw them out.

“People buy a husky, for example, as a puppy thinking they look all cute but when the puppy gets bigger they don’t want it any more.

“They do not know how to handle it. It (the problem) is worse than ever. It is just crazy.”

Hector, a pointer, was found by a member of the public at just 10 months. He was severely malnourished. His protruding ribs were covered in ticks as he wandered the streets looking for food.

While his background is not known, it is thought he had been bought as a puppy then abandoned once he got bigger, said Ms Ratcliffe.

Two rottweilers are also new additions to the K9 centre. They were brought in by their owner who said he could no longer care for them.

A quick browse of the internet brings up dozens of sites offering “adorable pups” for sale in the UAE, but Ms Ratcliffe said people should remember that getting a dog is a big commitment.

“Don’t take on that cute puppy unless you are prepared to dedicate the next 15 years to their care,” she said.

“Animals should not become victims of the throwaway society that we have become.”

So far this year, 55 abandoned dogs have been taken in by the centre in the Jebel Ali industrial estate. Of these, 30 have been pedigree dogs, bucking a previous trend of crossbreeds.

Although the centre has the capacity to hold only 120 dogs, K9 Friends has 138 in boarding.

via Numbers of abandoned dogs in UAE soar as owners ‘lose interest’ | The National.