Thousands of pets are being abandoned in Dubai as their owners flee the Middle East because of the Iran war, animal charities have said.
The RSPCA said pets of fleeing UK nationals could become “hidden victims” of the conflict as people who had relocated to the Gulf city scramble for an exit and struggle to bring their animals.
Last week, the UK government operated an emergency evacuation flight for people leaving the Middle East as the war continued. About 45,000 British nationals have left the Middle East since 1 March.
Hannah Mainds, the chief executive of the RSPCA Blackpool and north Lancashire branch, previously lived in Dubai and helped care for pets left behind after their owners suddenly left the country.
“Some [pets] were microchipped and clearly once loved, but their families had gone. It’s heartbreaking for rescuers and frightening for the animals,” Mainds said.
I have loved several pets over the course of my life. I had to rehome my last cat because I was moving into my van. But I had several weeks’ notice and was able to do that in an orderly manner. “Quickly fleeing sudden catastrophes” is another beast entirely.
I’m guessing there’s also been a run on crates for animals, so availability may be limited. And unless it’s a service animal, you need one of those for a flight. I abhor the fact that pets are being abandoned, but … consider the broader context. Assuming malice in the face of unexpected and sudden life changes shows, to me, the lack of empathy you’re lamenting about those who had to abandon pets.
In the states, in peacetime, sure, this sounds horrific. But neither of those propositions is on the table. Kitties eating from automated dispensers in no way means their former owners aren’t distraught about the decision.