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29 March 2024

UAQ eviction: 100 dogs loose in 2 days

Published
By Majorie van Leijen

I want you gone, you and your dogs. You have to move,” was what Amira William was told by an aggrieved neighbour, a few weeks ago. The neighbour was bothered by the presence of the more than 150 dogs in a villa in Umm Al Quwain.

Amira understands the concern of the fellow resident in her street and agrees that the dogs would have a better haven in a dedicated shelter somewhere else. Something, which is in the pipeline for the canines, but will take a little while before it is off the ground.

However, the complaint led to an eviction notice with a fast approaching deadline. With just two days left in the two weeks’ notice to leave the villa, the shelter dog mom does not see a solution other than releasing them on the street; a horrific scenario if you ask her.

Releasing the dogs to the street is an unthinkable solution for the animal friends, yet it seems to become reality. If nothing changes, the villa must be vacated this Thursday.

SOS Animal Rescue UAQ

For Amira, it all started in 2013, when she discovered that many stray dogs were living in the desert, coastal and urban areas of Umm Al Quwain. As no rescue group operated in the area, the New Zealander founded SOS Animal Rescue UAQ, with the immediate aim to address the stray animal population in the emirate.

The rescue team quickly found out that the problem was more serious and merely looking for fosters for dogs that needed shelter was not enough. In March 2014, a private shelter was opened, enabling SOS to rescue a larger number of animals than was possible before.

“From 2013 to 2014 over 400 animals including, dogs, cats, birds and a donkey have been rescued and 240 animals have been re-homed,” said Amira.

“We either rescue dogs or they are delivered to the shelter. If medical treatment is needed, we take them to the vet. We vaccinate all dogs and integrate them with the main population. Then, we start the process of looking for suitable homes.”

Although Amira believes in the shelter and the methods used, she agrees that the location is not ideal. In fact, frequent lobbying with the concerned authorities recently led to the promise of a permanent home.

“Three weeks ago, we received the support from the municipality for land with water and electricity to be given to SOS at a nominal rent. Now, we are just waiting for the final approval, which should come any time.

“When I received the notice, I was really shocked. I could not believe what had possibly happened in three weeks’ time.”

When approached by Emirates 24|7, the Manager of the Health and Environment Section, said that the eviction would not be realised, although he did not elaborate what had led to this decision, and Amira had not yet been informed of the change of mind.

“It would be the best news I ever heard,” she said.

“There are people who are not fully aware of the impact of the work that has been done,” said Amira.

“When these dogs are off the street, both the animals and the residents are much safer. A hungry dog on the street might bother the residents, and they can respond aggressively. In the last couple of months, the stray dog population has been reduced drastically.”

In response to a call for help, some organisations and individuals have come forward to take over some of the dogs, with the population in the villa now counting 110. “We really hope we do not have to release these dogs on Thursday,” concluded a hopeful Amira.