Dubai pets in Ranches, DSO under attack

Pet owners in Silicon Oasis and Arabian Ranches are a devastated lot these days, after ‘animal haters’ have been targeting pets in these gated communities over the last few weeks.

Pet owners report that many cats and dogs have been left with burns, trauma and some are now dead after the recent attacks.

Ever since, numerous warnings have been posted on social media networks and many online expat fora. “We ask you help spread the word and be extra vigilant when walking your dogs in all areas.

“Where possible keep your dogs on a leash and do not allow them to eat or lick anything whilst out,” reads a Facebook post.

“At least 12 dogs have died due to poisoning in the Al Qudra/Arabian Ranches area. We are also aware of similar cases in other areas of Dubai.

“It is believed to be either Strychnine or Metaldahyde poison that is being used. It is a fast-acting poison, taking effect in less than one hour and results in death.”

The post also includes symptoms to look out for. “Seizures, muscle contractions, foaming from the mouth, vomiting and diarrhea.”

The pet owners are advised to consult a vet as soon as they spot any of the symptoms.

Vets confirm reports

When Emirates 24|7 contacted a few veterinary hospitals, they confirmed that they had heard about these cruel incidents.

They added that they have been issuing public notices to warn pet-owners against leaving their pets unattended. “We’ve had one case last week, wherein a family rushed their dog in, but he was dead.

“They had taken the dog for a walk in the desert and he must’ve licked something there that was toxic. When they noticed that their dog was unwell, they rushed him here, but it was too late,” says an official at Vet Care.

Harrowing experience

Narrating her harrowing experience, Kerry, a resident of Silicon Oasis, informed about how she was shocked to find her cat Casper making strange, howling noises outside her bedroom door at 3am last Monday. “He was trembling and was covered in some sort of substance.

“We couldn’t tell what it was. We put him in the shower and tried to clean him, but his fur was still damp. When we called a vet, they advised that we used dishwashing soap to clean him up.”

Her cat, despite being cleaned up, was still in pain.

“He wouldn’t sit and wouldn’t allow us to touch him on the tummy or back. He was very quiet and wouldn’t move.

“The next morning, we saw that he was still uncomfortable and fur from his right leg had peeled off showing some green fluid.”

Kerry then rushed Casper to the vet and he was admitted at the hospital for over a week to treat the burns.

“He seems happy to be home now, but still looks traumatised. He was on anti-inflammatory med, fluids and painkillers. He was a bit disoriented to be in the hospital, but now he seems to be settling in fine.”

Kerry added that the Dubai Police had called on them the same day, and took down details of the incident.

They were told that the culprits would pay a penalty of Dh1,000 for the atrocities they’ve committed.

Numerous other cases have been reported over the last week, in fact, Kerry knows of a lady in the same neighbourhood whose cat was attacked the same day as Casper. Another cat was attacked on Tuesday morning.

The incident has left a deep scare in Kerry’s life. “It is very disturbing. I didn’t think I’d see Casper again.” These attacks have been reported in Silicon Oasis, Arabian Ranches and Victory Heights.

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