In 2013 it was discovered that many stray dogs were living in the desert, coastal and urban areas of Umm Al Quwain. Further research revealed that there was no rescue group operating in the area and no established shelter. Initially, SOS 4 Emirates Dogs (SOS) was formed out of an urgent need to address the stray dog population in the Emirate. The founder, Petra Petrikova (Slovakia National) and core group members, Gallina and Kevin James (New Zealand and Wales Nationals), Amirah William (New Zealand National) and Juma Abdullah Fikree (UAE National), have over 15 years collective experience in rescue both in the UAE and their home countries. At the onset the extent of the problem was not evident however, once rescuing began it became obvious that stray dogs, cats and animals including donkeys and camels were literally everywhere. A feeding program was put in place to feed and water animals in need. Fosters were sought to enable dogs and injured cats to be rescued. However, the sheer number of strays exceeded the number of fosterers that were coming forward. The only choice was to continue the feeding program and to rescue animals when fosters become available. Through Social Media SOS has gained momentum over the past year with over 3300 supporters. Four Safe Houses were established in Umm Al Quwain with each safe house, housing on average up to 12 dogs and several cats. With no funding SOS relies heavily on public donations and fundraising to carry out its work. Without this support the feeding programme, safe house feeding and medical care would not be possible. The issue escalated when information was received from members of the public that animals were being poisoned and shot. Evidence of this inhumane practice became obvious with the discovery of dogs that had died from poisoning or shooting. Sadly, dogs that were part of the feeding programme were targetted and after being shot were dumped at one of the SOS Safe Houses. The final blow came when one of the strays that was a regular to the feeding programme, disappeared then reappeared on Christmas day. His back leg was tied with wire and he was in very bad condition. He was rushed to the vet where he was assessed and subsequently his leg had to be amputated. X-rays were also taken which showed that he had an enlarged heart and of great concern was the fact he had been shot more than 50 times. The dog’s name was ‘Asmak’ and he did not survive the night. As a result, core group member Amirah William started looking for an appropriate villa to use as a temporary shelter. A villa was found and Umm Al Quwain now has it’s first animal shelter which is currently housing 26 dogs and is financially and physically supported by public donations and volunteers. The next step was to approach the Umm Al Quwain Police to form a collaboration in animal rescue. A proposal was mooted and a successful partnership has now been formed and is actively enforce. As a result of the partnership the final step is the presentation of an action plan that outlines the Umm Al Quwain Animal Sanctuary Project and the management of the stray animal population in the Emirate to His Royal Highness, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain which is 100% supported by the top management of the Umm Al Quwain Police. It is in memory of Asmak and all animals that are at risk in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain that this project is imperative.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Apr 2014 21:10:29 +0000
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