Residents of the United Arab Emirates found more than 140 cats of different breeds in a desert in the country’s capital Abu Dhabi, sparking criticism from international animal rights organizations. The suspicious event triggered a government investigation. as CNN tells it.
According to an Abu Dhabi resident, Chiku Shergill, some cats were left in the carriers while others were left roaming in the desert without food or water.
Since September 28, rescue teams have counted 50 dead cats and rescued another 95. A golden retriever puppy was also rescued and a husky was found dead. Some of the animals had microchips, indicating they were not strays.
The animals were abandoned across the street from the Abu Dhabi State Animal Shelter in al Falah, a residential area in Abu Dhabi. The shelter told CNN it had no knowledge of the incident and declined further comment.
The animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information about “who left these cats in the desert.” PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker said in a statement to CNN.
“This act of cruelty cannot be swept under the carpet. “The solution to the homeless animal crisis is to spay, neuter and take over overburdened and understaffed animal shelters, which PETA Asia has been calling on the United States to do for years,” Baker said.
The rescue team, made up of volunteers, is on duty 24 hours a day. Many of the members take time off from their jobs to continue rescuing the abandoned cats, placing them in microshelters and finding homes for them.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) said on Wednesday it was investigating the incident and urged the public to come forward with details and said it was taking steps to find those responsible.