"Abandonment and Euthanasia Surge in Dubai" as Middle East Conflict Intensifies, Pets Are Left Behind

[Financial News] As conflict in the Middle East intensifies, more foreign residents leaving Dubai are abandoning or euthanizing the pets they once kept.
According to the British outlet Daily Mail on the 9th (local time), inquiries about euthanizing pets have reportedly surged as more people in Dubai prepare to return to their home countries.
K9 Friends Dubai, a dog adoption group, explained that it is struggling to cope with a flood of calls from owners planning to leave their dogs behind when they depart, as well as reports of puppies being found abandoned on the streets.
Hundreds of posts related to abandoned animals have also been shared online, according to reports.
Some owners are said to have requested euthanasia for healthy pets, citing the financial burden of moving or the complexity of paperwork as excuses.
Aditi Gouri, who runs the Dubai pet hotel The Barking Lot, said, "Shelters are already at full capacity, but we are doing everything we can within our limits," adding, "We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone."
A volunteer at an animal rescue center stated, "I have seen around 200 related posts on WhatsApp and Facebook groups."
On social media, photos are circulating of pet dogs abandoned and tied to streetlights, left without food or water.
Several animal protection organizations have criticized the situation, saying there is nowhere near enough space to accommodate the animals being abandoned as expatriate residents hastily pack up to leave.
War Paws, a charity that helps animals in conflict zones, stressed that abandoning a pet can never be justified for any reason.
War Paws CEO Louise Hastie also said, "Leaving for safety is no excuse to abandon your pet."
She went on to say, "It is shocking to see this level of pet abandonment in Dubai, a city known for its wealth," and urged, "The UAE government must take more measures to ensure pets are protected even in times of conflict."


hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter