Stray animals are a common sight on the streets of Abu Dhabi. While some of them are feral, a lot are abandoned pets. Working to remedy this situation is Animal Action Abu Dhabi (AAAD), a non-profit organisation established in June, 2010. Two sisters, Melanie and Nathalie Stone, created the group whose mission it is to, ‘save all creatures great and small’. With the help of volunteers and donations, AAAD manages several activities geared at improving conditions for many animals in Abu Dhabi, as well as Dubai.
On Sunday nights, Marwan Awad heads out on the streets of Abu Dhabi, armed with fresh water, cat food and disposable dishes. Marwan has several stops to make, all in the area behind Mariah Mall on Al Najda Street, where he puts out water and food for the stray cats. As a volunteer for AAAD, Marwan not only feeds the felines but keeps an eye out for any injured or sick ones. Cats exhibiting very poor health signs are immediately gathered and taken to a vet, where they are tested for diseases. If a cat has no life-threatening or highly contagious illness, then they are looked after and processed to be ready for adoption. However felines with diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), also known as cat AIDS, have to be put down because releasing them might endanger the health of other cats.
Marwan also keeps a look out for any newcomers on the scene. In order to curb exploding cat populations, AAAD traps street cats, neuters and spays them and then releases them. Once a feline has been neutered, one of their ears will be clipped near the top. Although this might seem cruel to some, rest assured that this is done when the cat is sedated and is a necessary method to identify the neutered animals from a distance.
The sad reality is that many animals face very difficult conditions in Abu Dhabi. AAAD has worked very hard to find homes for many pets that have been abandoned or abused. Many dogs have been found tied up, with no food or water and just left to die. Cats have been found with broken limbs, left injured and helpless on the streets. There are some horrific stories out there about animal cruelty. ‘Even if an animal does manage to survive its injuries on the streets, it will often breed and subject a new generation to disease and extremely harsh living conditions,’ says Marwan. AAAD tries to bring a happy ending to some of these animals by finding loving homes for them. They operate a site on Facebook, where they regularly post pictures of animals looking for adoption.
In addition to helping animals on the street, Animal Action Abu Dhabi visit kennels to gather up dogs and cats suitable for adoption. After the animals are neutered, micro-chipped and given a clean bill of health, they go to a foster home where they wait to find suitable owners. AAAD relies on volunteers to foster many of these animals since the adoption process can take several weeks.
Marwan continues: ‘One issue that continually surfaces is with animals (particularly dogs) on labour camps. Although they are relatively well cared for by labourers (who often see them as a form of companionship, their populations tend to grow unchecked. Ideally, what should be done in such cases is that an organization like AAAD should be contacted.
The animals can then be neutered, given a health check and, prior to the demobilization of the labour camp, be found a forever home.’
The group is able to do all these activities thanks in large part to donations. They also host special events where they can gather funds for the cause from supporters. For example, on May 18, 2012, AAAD held a charity dog photo shoot, the proceeds of which went to the non-profit organization.
Another function of the group is spreading awareness. Their Facebook page regularly features stories about proper health practices for your pet, as well as bringing light to animal rights in general. Their site serves as a great forum for pet owners to exchange ideas and tips. One of the biggest messages the group advocates is to consider adoption when looking for a new pet. Unfortunately, pet stores are part of the problem. They often don’t guarantee proper health of an animal, might subject them to cruel conditions and don’t offer services such as neutering and micro-chipping, which AAAD does. By adopting a pet, you are providing a home to an animal that needs one and supporting an animal rights organization in the process.
If you are interested in fostering or adopting an animal, contact the group by sending an email to animal.action@hotmail.com
